Harry was pacing in his room restless. Hermionie and Sesylia were sitting on his bed, heads in their hands trying their best not to kill their best friend and brother. As days went by and Harry's anniversary with Ginny approached , he was getting more and more anxious to prepare the perfect date for the occasion. After three days of wondering where to go, he decided that his house would be best, granted that they'd be alone. Then another three followed, with questions about what he should do, how would he decorate and if girls liked butterbeer and chips for anniversary dinner. When Hermionie and Ses gave him a few ideas and made sure Ginny would not suffer a stomachache all night afterwards, the questions about the present came up. The girls had already offered a million ideas none of which seemed romantic enough to Harry. He needed something meaningful for both of them, that would also be something a girl would fancy... He had this idea about turning a snitch into a necklace, but after the yelling he got from his sister and best friend he decided to think of something else. Ok, more like have them think of something else! The problem was they couldn't find anything...
"For Merlin's shake Harry, we're here for over an hour! We have thought of more than twenty gifts and nothing's good enough? I mean we are girls! Get her jewelery and she'll be the happiest girl in the world!", Ses growled trying hard to keep her temper in check.
"But that would not be special! I need something symbolic and not only fancy!", Harry said looking at them anxiously.
Hermionie's head snapped up, her eyes glinting dangerously as she said, "Ok... I will suggest ONE more thing... And then, i'm out of here! I love you my dearest friend but you've driven me crazy! Now listen to me and listen to me carefully, because this is the very last thing concerning your anniversary you'll hear from me!". Harry flinching uncomfortably under her threatening glare merely nodded. The girl took in a deep breath and then said her voice a little calmer, "How about, a little bracelet with two little charms... One of a stag like your patronus and one of a horse, like Ginny's? There is this little jewlery shop in Hogsmead that could make this... I suggest to be golden. It will look really pretty on her compared to a silver one.."
Harry's eyes went round with surprise and excitement, "That's it!", he yelled happily. Then he run to Mionie and lifting her up from the bed hugged her tightly smiling from ear to ear. "Hermionie you are a genius! That's the perfect idea! How could I not have thought of that! Thank you so much!"
"Thank me by letting me go!", Hermionie yelled dramatically and run for the door with Sesylia right behind her, as soon as Harry broke the hug. "Seriously Harry, all Ginny needs is you on your anniversary! So stop getting anxious about everything and she'll have a great time!", the brown haired girl told Harry before shutting the door firmly behind her and leaving the boy smiling.
Now that would be perfect. One more thing to get done, he thought. Then he got out of his room and headed to the kitchen, where he knew his godfather would be drinking his afternoon tea. "Hey, Sirius!", he said cheerfully while sitting in a chair across from the man.
Sirius looked at the boy smiling too. A faint twinkle in his eyes. He knew that tone all to well... "What's up Harry?"
"Nothing much...", the boy answered and then he added, "Well, my anniversary with Ginny is coming up..."
"Aha...", his godfather said while sipping from his mug and looking in his godson's green eyes over it.
"And i'm kind of planning something special for Ginny.", Harry added. When Sirius nodded he went on, "And well... I was hoping that maybe you could lend me the house for a few hours that evening..."
"The house?", Sirius asked raising his eyebrows. He expected something like a later curfew or something alike. But leaving in the house two teenagers, alone, celebrating their anniversary was something he didn't feel very comfortable with. "I really don't know Harry..."
"Look, I understand your worries, but honestly Sirius, all I want is something more personal. I want that day to be special and being totally alone in here instead of crowded coffee place would be so great!", the boy tried. "And I promise and give you my word, that we won't be doing anything that... Uh... You wouldn't approve of! I just want it to be special. Please Sirius..."
The pleading eyes of the boy made Sirius give in. He trusted Harry not to do anything stupid. After all Ginny was quite young to really worry about things getting.. out of control. "All right...", he finally said. "But you will only have it for three hours! From seven to ten. And then i'll come home along with your siblings. And I expect you to be a gentleman Harry! You gave me your word you two will be decent and you'd better keep it young man...", he added sternly.
"We will! I swear! Thank you so much Sirius!", his godson said enthusiastically. "It's in two days! I will need you out a little earlier though, like from six, so that i'll have the time to prepare the house..."
"The living room Harry!", Sirius cut in pointedly. "You will only have the living room!"
"Well, of course! But I will need some time to make it the way I want it. And of course i'll clean up afterwards!", the boy answered quickly.
"Ok then. At six the day after tomorrow i'll be out of here!", Sirius said shaking his head. The fact that Harry had grown old enough to be celebrating anniversaries made him feel like the day that he'd have to see him leave the nest was all too quickly approaching.
"Great! Can I go to Hogmsead for a few minutes? I need to order Ginny's present! I won't be more than twenty minutes!", Harry asked hopefully.
"Ok... But then straight back home. You have homework to do. The Christmas Holidays won't start for another two days and I am sure you have studying to do..."
"Sure! See you in a little while!", Harry said again and headed for the door.
Sirius smiled as the boy left and sighed when the door closed. They were growing up so fast... Too fast...
…...
Remus checked his clock as he closed the door of his study. He headed for their kitchen to have a few minutes with his wife before going to deliver the grades for the semester to the headmaster. He could owl them of course but Albus had asked him to see him and discuss something for the order. When he entered the kitchen he found Dora standing in front of the window, leaning on the kitchen counter while staring at the clouds outside. She seemed a little skeptic Remus thought. He walked to her and when she smiled at him he hugged her gently.
"Everything alright?", he asked while breaking the hug.
"Yeah...", Dora answered, though her voice was a little tense. "You're leaving already?"
"In a minute... Sure you're ok?", Remus asked again, looking his wife in the eye, concerned.
"Yes! Don't worry! I'm fine! Go deliver those grades and try to be back for dinner, if that order thing can wait, 'k?", she said quietly while placing a kiss on his cheek.
"I'll do my best!", he answered and with a last kiss he left.
Dora waited till she heard the door closing. After a few seconds she rushed to their room and took her purse. Then she went to the bathroom down the hall that none of them was ever using. All four of them preferred the ones in their own rooms. She entered and locked the door. Then she placed the purse on the basin and dug in it. She took out what she was looking for. Of course there were spells that she would try too, but wanted to be one hundred percent sure and thought that a few muggle tests would help... Reading in the instructions that it would take five minutes for them to give her an answer she first did the muggle ones. When she was done she placed the two pregnancy tests on the now closed toilet sit and drew her wand. Pointing her belly with it she started saying quietly the complicated spell and making sure the movement of her hand was the right one. Soon her stomach glowed with a soft golden light. She sighed and with trembling hands repeated the process only to get the very same results. Then taking in a deep breath she took the two tests in her hands. Both of them positive... She looked at the mirror and smiled, her eyes moist with emotion. She was pregnant... Then with trembling hands she threw the tests in the wasting can and grabbed her purse clumsily, missing that the third one -that she had bought just in case she did something wrong with the other two- fell on the floor. She returned her purse to her room and went back to the kitchen. Seeing her cup of tea she emptied it in the sink and washed the cup. No more caffeine for quite a while, she thought smiling...
…...
"Fred! George!", Ginny squealed happily seeing her older brothers in the living room when she entered the house that afternoon. She had no idea the twins would be visiting but was more than happy to see them. Hugging them both tightly, she smiled brightly at them. "I missed you guys! I thought you were not coming for another three days!"
The twins smiled to their baby sister. "Well, that was the plan but with the party tonight, we thought we could come a little earlier and help around a bit!", George said happily.
"What party?", Ginny asked confused glancing from one to the other.
"Oh! That's right! Bill owled when you were still out!", Fred said.
"Bill owled? He's staying at that Fleur's for ages! When is he coming home?", She asked excitedly.
"Well... They are coming tonight...", George said awkwardly. From Ginny's tone at the mention of Fleur's name he realized she wouldn't really like the news...
"They? Who they? Don't tell me that Percy came to his senses at last!", She said bewildered.
"No...", Fred answered, his face hardened at the mention of his older brother that had turned his back to the family. "Bill and Fleur are coming... The party will be for them. For their engagement."
"What?", Ginny asked, her face blushing as her temper started to flame.
"They got engaged. And mom is throwing a party for them tonight.", Fred said squeezing her shoulder in an attempt to calm her down.
"You've got to be kidding me! What the hell did he find to that greasy french royal b...", Ginny started to yell only to be interrupted by her mother.
"End that phrase young lady and I can assure you, you will spend the whole night standing with a sore butt and a soap bar in your mouth!", she sternly scolded as she put her fists on her hips.
Fred and George were exchanging shocked glances with their little sister's outburst but fought hard not to lough as well. They liked Fleur just fine. How could they not, she was more than charming. But still little Ginny swearing was much too funny.
"Sorry ma...", Ginny grumbled flinching with the threat.
"Get to your studying and if you finish early let me know, I could use your help. I have a million things to do!", Mrs Weasely said sternly, but her fists left her hips, a sign that she was not angry any more. "Fred George! With me! You have potatoes to chop. The spell is simple... You'd better do it well!", she continued as she turned her back and rushed to the kitchen. Fred and George threw Ginny a desperate look and followed their mother with slumbed shoulders. It would be a long day...
A few hours later everything was ready, and the Weasleys were all dressed up and anxiously waiting for the couple. Among the happy faces Ginny's grumpy one stood out. Her mother had tried to cheer her up but to no avail. When the bell rang, Molly jumped up and rushed to the door. When Bill entered she immediately hugged him tightly. Then she awkwardly opened her arms and hugged her son's fiancee as well. The rest of the Weaseley family got to their feet as well and one by one congratulated the couple.
When Bill saw Ginny approaching he smiled broadly and opened his arms. Ginny could not resist and let him hug her, but didn't hug back. Bill looked at her confused but smiling, "So... Won't you congratulate me?"
"Why would I?", Ginny answered indifferently. "You congratulate someone when they achieve something great, or when something great happens to them. You getting engaged to Fleur is nothing great. And I am not going to encourage you in a decision I believe to be wrong!", she said, her cheeks flaming and her eyes almost moist.
Bill frowned at her and lowered himself to get to eye level with his baby sister. "Gin, i'm sorry you feel that way. But you are old enough now to realize that people around you make the decisions they believe to be best for themselves. You do not have to agree with those decisions. And it is alright to let them know what you think about them. But you also need to learn to stand by them no matter what. Even when you do not agree. Will you do this for me tonight? Will you be kind with the woman I love? If you cannot love her for what she is then try to love her just because I do. That's all i'm asking.", he said looking at the girl's eyes.
Ginny did not answer. She didn't trust herself to do so. She merely nodded. And then turned to Fleur and offering her hand said a cold congratulations. When a bewildered Fleur took her hand and thanked her, Ginny turned back around and left the couple, heading towards the sofa where the twins were sitting.
"Is your Sister upset?", Fleur asked with her french accent.
Bill put an arm around her and told her reassuringly, "It's just that she is used to having me around this past year and she doesn't like the fact that i'm moving out. She'll get used to the idea though. No worries.". His girlfriend smiled at him and after placing a light peck to his lips went to the kitchen to help Mrs Weaseley to serve dinner.
…...
"I'm so glad we're going out!", Ses said happily at Eric as they walked towards Hogsmead.
"Well, since the holidays almost began I thought we could afford a little time off from studying!", Eric said putting his arm around her shoulders. "I've really missed going out with you..."
"I know... It seems like forever since the last time we went somewhere together. Let's go to the broomsticks! There will be lots of people there! I've missed crowded places!", she said giggling.
"Wherever you want!", Eric smiled at her excitement.
They opened the Broomsticks' door joking and laughing. They smiled with the crowded place already decorated for Christmas. Making their way to their favorite table, though, Ses abruptly stopped. Eric turned his head towards the spot she was staring at and realized with horror it was Sirius and probably his girlfriend, who hadn't noticed them yet.
Sesylia walked the few steps to the table and stood right in front of the couple. "Hey.", She said curtly.
Sirius lifted his head and looked at her surprised but then smiled at his goddaughter. "Hey there Ses! I didn't know you'd go out.."
"Yeah well, it's not like you were home, so I could tell you...", she answered coldly.
"Hey... Relax! I'm not telling you off, you just surprised me!", her godfather answered evenly.
Sesylia turned and stared coldly at Serenity. She was not what she expected. Young and beautiful, with long red hair and sparkling blue eyes... She smiled to the girl kindly. Sesylia turned back to her godfather not returning the smile, "That's her I suppose?", she asked, her temper now obvious.
Sirius' eyebrows narrowed at her tone. "Yes, Sesylia! That is Serenity. I would appreciate if you'd change your tone though...", he said sternly.
Sesylia snorted loudly at that. "You bring her here, in the most popular place in Hogmsmead, where everyone can see you and you're telling me off about my tone? What is this, like middle age crisis or something? You act like a brainless teen to feel younger?"
"Sesylia stop this right now! Another word and you'll be a sorry young lady!", Sirius said warningly, his eyes flushing with anger.
Sesylia turned to Serenity once again, "Try to have your fun with him as soon as possible. There are people who actually need him you know!", she said spitefully.
Sirius jumped up in a matter of seconds and grabbed the girl's arm making her lean towards him. "You will stop this right now! I want you to apologize to Serenity this instant and then you're going straight home and wait for me. Am I understood?", he asked furious.
Sesylia wanted more than everything to talk back, to turn her back and leave without apologizing but she simply couldn't. That tone was all to known. And it meant that Sirius still cared for her attitude. So he must be still caring. Or at least she hoped so. Gulping with difficulty she turned to Serenity and whispered an apology. The woman smiled at her and told her not to worry. Then she turned back to Sirius who was glaring at her. "Straight home! I'll be there in less than an hour.", he said and with an ominous look let her arm from his grip and sat back down. Sesylia went to Eric and whispering to him that she should go home they left the Brommsticks together.
"I am so very Sorry for this Serenity. She is such a great kid, but has quite a hard time coping with this. With us...", Sirius said when the two teens left.
His girlfriend smiled at him understandingly. "Don't worry Sirius. I can perfectly understand. We were clear about this from the very beginning anyways. You focus on your kids and that's what I totally love about you. So let's pay so that you can go and talk to Ses. She was more than upset and waiting for you for too long won't help in any way..."
Sirius smiled and leaning close he kissed her. She covered needs that none else could. And respected the fact that his family would always come first. And that's what he totally loved about her.
Twenty minutes later somebody knocked on Ses' bedroom door. She was sitting on her bed crying softly, when Sirius walked in. He closed the door behind him and sighed seeing how upset she was. He slowly sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders making her lean in his chest. And that's all she really wanted. She rested her head there crying her heart out. Sirius rubbed her back and tried his best to calm her down waiting patiently for her sobs to ease. When she finally relaxed and all that was left from her outburst were mild hiccups, he asked evenly, "Wanna tell me what got into you? What caused that awful behaviour?"
"No...", Ses said still resting her head in his godfather warm chest.
"I'm afraid that you'll have to Sesy. So save us the trouble and tell me what's wrong. It will help you more than you think if you talk about this with me. Come on...", Sirius pressed on.
"It's just... I know you love us. But you love her too... I just don't want to lose you... I might lose Harry... And Allan and all those I care about. But from something I cannot control. I cannot stand losing you for another person Sirius... We are so close to losing everything.. I just cannot worry about losing you over something like that too...", she said looking at him pleadingly.
"Sesylia Lily Potter! You know perfectly well that you will never, ever lose me! You're stuck with me! Either you like it or not! There is no getting away from this family. We'll always be together no matter what! And the fact that I might be dating has absolutely nothing to do with us. You need to understand this baby girl...", Sirius said looking at her straight in the eyes.
"I do understand it... But still, i'm so afraid it might happen...", She said quietly. A few new tears slipping on her cheeks.
"Honey, stop being afraid over something like that! You are not losing me!", the man repeated. "And that means that you have to answer to me for your actions! And the way you behaved tonight was simply unacceptable!", he added sternly.
"I know. I am sorry..."
"Well, sorry isn't going to cut this, Sesylia. You're leaving me no choice here.", Sirius said sternly yet camly. Then he gently pulled the girl up and led her towards him and over his lap. Sesylia didn't protest but couldn't help but whimper when the first smack landed to her pajama clad bottom. Sirius' hand fell down on its target again and again making her squirm and yell from the growing burning pain. Soon she was crying and after a while begging her godfather to stop. Sirius knew more than well that he was not spanking too hard so he kept going. What he aimed for was a longer session rather than a hard one. He thought that given the circumstances that would work best with Ses. It would allow her to get all of her tension out and also make her realize that he still was there for her, even when that meant punishment. When the girl went limp he landed another twelve smacks to each sitspot harder than the previous and then it was over. He gently pulled Sesylia up and gathered her in his arms rocking her gently trying to calm her down. She kept mumbling apologies and he kept assuring her that everything was over and done with. And when her sobs finally eased she was fast asleep in his hands. Sirius smiled at the sleeping girl. It had been quite a while from the last time she had fallen asleep in his arms and he couldn't help but hold her for a little longer. When her breathing went really slow though he gently lied her on her stomach in her bed and pulled the covers tightly around her. Then placing a kiss on her forehead stared at her for a while before leaving the room and leaving her rest. He went straight to his armchair and collapsed in it. He always hated punishing his kids. But he felt happy too because things with Ses finally went right again.
…...
The big day had finally come and Harry was restless ever since he woke up. He got all anxious about Ginny's present but to his relief it was delivered around eleven o' clock. He opened it and smiled broadly at the result. The bracelet was simply gorgeous. The little charms beautiful and with the slightest details beautifully carved. He carefully closed the dark red case it was in and put it on his desk. Hermionie and Ses had arranged with Dobby to bring dinner cooked by the house elves, so he had something less to worry about. The hours till six o' clock though seemed not to pass. He chose his clothes carefully and kept tidying up the kitchen and living room all day.
At six o' clock Sirius, Allan and Ses finally left and he got to the decorations part. He knew how much Ginny loved candles, so he lit almost a dozen of them and put them in random spots in the living room. The light jasmine and vanilla scent filled the room making the atmosphere cozy and sweet. He brought the big bouquet of roses he had also bought and put them in a vase in the middle of the coffee table. He glanced around him and smiled satisfied. Checking the clock he rushed to take a shower and get ready himself. At seven o' clock precisely the front door was heard. Harry with his heart pounding opened it. Ginny stood there. Beautiful as ever. He smiled at her and tenderly kissed her leading her inside. Their evening went by beautifully. The dinner was excellent and Dobby had even made them a sweet little heart-shaped chocolate cake. Ginny loved her bracelet and gave Harry an dark blue woolen scarf she knitted herself with his initials on it.
"This is so great Harry. You are the sweetest person i've ever known.", Ginny said quietly as she was curled up in his arms, a while after they had finished eating.
Harry smiled and breathed in her wonderful smell, "You more than worth it... But I am afraid that you are the greatest person you know.. I mean you are the greatest person I know... You get my point..", he smiled at her and stared at her sparkling eyes.
"This is far too romantic to hex you, so i'll simply not answer!", she answered back and kissed him lightly.
"You know, it was the most wonderful year of my life...", he whispered caressing her hair.
"It really was Harry.", she agreed, curling up even more in his hug.
Harry closed his arms around her and placed his chin on the top of her head as she buried her face in his neck, "I love you...", she whispered.
Harry looked at her eyes and whispered back, "I love you too...".
…...
The last day of classes found Harry in a complete daze. His date with Ginny the very previous night was all too fresh to concentrate on anything. He was constantly lost in his thoughts with a wide smile on his face, which made Hermionie laugh and Ron grumble, things about not wanting to know about his sister's kisses. The teachers were far more agreed with Ron unfortunately. By his third period Harry had earned more than five scoldings and three detention threats if he didn't pay attention. The weirdest thing is Hermionie earned some herself as well. Not for laughing at Harry's constant smile, but for daydreaming in a very same way he was.
While exiting the transfiguration classroom and heading to DADA, Harry snapped out of his daydreaming for a while to interrogate his best friend along with Ron.
"Spill it! What's going on!", Ron said the second they left the classroom under McGonagal's glare.
"What are you talking about?", she asked, blushing deeply.
"Dear Merlin! You actually blushed! You're so hiding something from us! There is no way you wouldn't pay attention to class unless something major happened!", Harry added looking at her with narrowed eyes.
"Oh drop it you two! I just... Look forward for the Christmas break!", she answered as convincingly as she could master. It wasn't like she didn't trust them or anything. She would tell them eventually but right now it was a little awkward.
"Hermionie, you cannot lie!", Ron said matter-of-factly.
"Yeah! What is this? You don't trust us?", Harry asked trying to sound hurt. "I told you about my
first …three words! And you know how hard this is for a boy to trust to his friends!", he told her almost accusingly.
Hermionie opened the door of the classroom and headed to their desk sitting down in the middle and motioning for them to sit next to her. When they did she waited staring at her hands for the class to fill with students and when they were all talking and laughing giving her the cover she needed from Remus, who had just entered and was chatting at the doorway with one of the students, she said blushing furiously, "Me and Allan... Well you know... We...Had sex..."
"What?", Harry almost yelled. "When did this happen?"
"Lower your voice!", Hermionie told him anxiously glancing behind her back at Remus who was surprised by Harry's yell and was now staring towards them.
"When did this happen?", Ron asked in a whisper when she turned back to them.
"Last night. Tonks was out at some appointment and Remus had some detention here. So he came over... I believe you can figure out the rest on your own!", she said smiling a little.
"Oh Merlin!", Ron said desperately looking at Harry now.
"What's wrong?", his best pal asked bewildered.
"Hermionie, our Hermionie, the geek Hermionie, the girl Hermionie, had sex first! That's what happened!", he grumbled uncomfortably. Then realizing he had just said that to his sister's boyfriend he immediately added with narrowed eyes, "And you'd better have it last from all of us!" Hermionie laughed at that along with Harry.
"Everything alright here?", Remus asked standing over their desk smiling at the teens. He was sure something was on, but he really enjoyed seeing them having a good time. After all it could be a good something and not necessarily trouble.
Hermionie wondered anxiously if he had heard anything, but seeing his calm attitude she doubted he had. So smiling she answered, "Everything great, professor.", the man smiled at the trio and headed to his desk to begin the class.
…...
Harry was walking to the dungeons that night for his last session of Occlumency until after the Christmas break. Snape was pleased with his progress and Harry himself felt stronger and more efficient at the end of their meetings. That night though was not going to end well. As he was walking past the dungeon classrooms he heard something from one of them. Angry voices whispering.
"You said you'd help me!", Draco Malfoy's voice was saying.
"I know, but now I can't! He wants you to do it not me!", that should be Crabbe.
"Fuck you Crabbe! I'll never be able to do this alone! He'll fucking kill my parents! And then me!", Malfoy answered desperately. Harry could tell he was trying very hard not to cry.
"So will, me and my family, if I help you! You're on your own!", Crabbe said and he hurried towards the door leaving Harry little time to hide behind the closest corner.
When Crabbe was nowhere to be seen he went back towards the door and peeked in inside. Draco was leaning his forehead on a wall. And his shoulders were jolting violently. It took Harry a few seconds to realize that Malfoy was crying. He tried to process what he had just heard. Who wanted what done by Malfoy? Had this anything to do with the discussion he had overheard between him and Snape? And why and who would kill his parents and then Draco himself if he didn't do it? Before he could put two and two together the blond boy turned around bewildered his wand in hand. He had felt someone was watching him. Harry, startled, didn't react fast enough. He merely made it to dive to the floor and the hex Malfoy threw him missed him by inches. He got his wand out and tried to use the Levicorpus spell but Malfoy blocked it and sent a blowing up spell towards Harry who managed to dodge it on time. Then he aimed for Malfoy's legs to throw him the jelly-leg charm, but missed and resulted in blowing up a cupboard next to him.
Severus Snape was glancing at the clock on the opposite wall wondering why Harry was late, when he heard the loud crashing sound. He ran out of his office and followed the now multiplying sounds of what should be a dueling. He soon made it to the classroom where Draco and Harry were in a fit of throwing charms to one another in a surprisingly high speed and fluency for their ages. The boys too preoccupied with the task in hand did not realize his presence. Snape rose his wand just in time to raise a shield between them the very second Draco had screamed "Crucio" and Harry "Sectumsempra". Only when both spells got absorbed by the shield did the teens realize they were not alone. Turning their heads at the same time they saw a furious potion master looking at them livid.
"My office! Now!", Snape bellowed. The boys gulping and trying to bring their breathing back to its regular pace followed the man to his office. When inside he closed the door and wordlessly motioned for both of them to sit at the chairs in front of his desk. He then started pacing doing his best to control his anger. After five minutes of heavy silence he slowly made his way behind his desk and glared at the two boys in front of him.
"What happened?", he asked. His voice low but so stern that made both of them squirm uncomfortably on their sits. "Harry?", he asked again when none of the boys spoke.
"I..I was heading here and heard Malfoy fighting with someone and stayed to hear what they were saying. And when he saw me he started hexing me.", Harry said, surprising himself for trying to cover up for the other boy. He was his archenemy but still he couldn't bring himself to tell Snape how desperately he was crying out there. As for what he had overheard, Severus should already be aware of it, after all he was talking to Draco about that a few days before...
"And then why I saw only the two of you fighting and nobody else?", Snape asked his voice hard. Harry was far too upset to occlude his mind and Snape just knew that he was trying hard to hide something.
"Crabbe left before I realized Potter was eavesdropping.", Malfoy said. Looking at his shoes the whole time.
"And why were you fighting with Crabbe in the first place?", Severus asked glaring at his goson. The boy remained silent. "Harry? Have you any idea why they were fighting?", he tried. Silence again.
"I've had enough of this! You both forget that simply I can tell when you lie. I know what happened in there. Draco we will talk about this alone in a while, trust me.", he said rising from his chair. "When I came in you both cast a curse. And though only the one is currently outlawed, I can assure you Harry that the one you tried would be too if the ministry knew its existence. What you two tried to do out there could lead to immense damage... On both of you!", he said furiously. Then taking in a deep breath he turned to Draco, "Go to your room, here, right now. I'll be there as soon as i'm done with Harry.". Draco opened his mouth to answer but the glare he received from his godfather made him rise and hurry to do what he was told. Once alone Severus turned to the
dark-haired boy. "Where did you learn that spell?", he asked looking at him directly in the eyes.
Harry gulped and drew his eyes from the man staring at his shoes before saying quietly, "In an old potions book."
"Summon it.", Snape simply said. The boy drew his wand and wordlessly summoned his book which banged on the closed door a few seconds later. Severus opened the door and picked up the all too known book. He didn't have to open it, but he needed to be on hundred percent sure he was right. And he was; it was his old book... 'This book is the property of the half-blood Prince'. He closed it again and glared at the boy. "That's how you have improved in potions isn't it?", he strictly asked.
"Yes.", Harry said quietly.
"So the other day you blatantly lied in my face?", Severus asked again.
"Yes sir..."
"And as I can assume from today you've been trying the spells written in here as well?", he asked again.
"Yes."
"And you know that it is unauthorized and thus dangerous magic?", he asked again, angrier with the boy with every 'yes' he heard.
"Yes.", Harry answered again, his voice hoarse.
"I cannot believe you Harry. You from all people should have told someone about this the very first second you realized what was in it. After what happened to your girlfriend a few years back I have trouble believing you didn't hand this in the very first day it came to your hands.", he said harshly. "But no! You had to keep this, obviously secretly and not only use the potion tips -potion tips that you never knew if would help or even cause your potion to be ruined and maybe even harm you in the proses!- No! You had also to try the spells in it!"
"It was very stupid of me sir. I just thought that since the tips were safe so would be the charms...", Harry said quietly, trying hard to keep his voice stable.
"Rubbish! You took chances from the very first time you used this! And you knew it! And yet you went ahead! Reckless as always! No matter how hard we all try to protect you, you have to go ahead and act childishly and carelessly and endanger your life for utter stupid reasons!", he yelled banging his hand on his desk. The boy in front of him cringed. Severus took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "There a lot of people caring for you, Harry! You have to stop being so reckless! When are you going to realize that?", he asked again.
"I'm sorry.", Harry said again, almost whispering by now. "And about tonight, I really didn't mean to duel with Malfoy. He seemed desperate and he started the fight when he saw me. I just got angry by his attack and went on. I'm not trying to get myself out of trouble i'm just letting you know, that I really only wanted to help him.", he added. And it was true. As weird as it might sounded, it was true.
Severus nodded curtly. "You will have detention along with Draco Every night for the next week for the shameful fighting incident tonight. And then you will serve another week on your own for endangering yourself once more stupidly and recklessly.", he added. "The only reason you get off this easily is because I have to report this to the headmaster. As a teacher I am obliged to report if students cast any spell that could endanger their lives. He will hand out whatever punishment he sees fit himself and of course contact with your families."
"Sir please! Do not let professor Dumblebore know about this! I'll do anything! Double my detention or whatever you think! It's bad enough i've disappointed you so badly, and I will Sirius too as soon as he learns about this... Please I don't think I can deal with the headmaster too...", Harry begged close to tears now.
"If you cannot handle the punishment Harry, then do not do the crime. My hands are tied. I cannot not tell this to the headmaster. I'll jeopardize my position as a potion teacher and his trust, something i'm not willing to risk.", Severus said sternly. "Now, I want you to wait here. I need to talk to Draco too and then I will escort you both to his office. Stay put."
"Yes sir.", Harry said miserably and watched the dark haired man head towards a door in the far wall of the office. As soon as it closed, the boy took his glasses off and hid his face in his hands. He had majorly screwed up and he knew it. Sirius would go mental as soon as he learnt about this and he had to face Dumbledore too. Things just could not get any worse... He stayed like this for a few minutes until the door was heard again and Snape emerged with Malfoy following his shoulders slumbed and his eyes tired. Harry noticed for the first time how exhausted he looked. Severus walked to the fireplace and grabbing a handful of floo powder he called 'Dumbledore's office'. When the flames turned green he motioned for the boys to step inside and followed them to the headmaster's office.
…...
Albus Dumbledore's eyes had no twinkle at all. That alone made Harry gulp anxiously. They were sitting in front of the old man's desk and waited patiently for any comment at all. Severus had finished explaining everything and then the boys answered a few questions themselves. After that nothing but silence. Harry's stomach was tied up in knots.
"I am afraid boys that this type of behavior calls for strict consequences.", he said seriously. "What you will both receive for this transgression is corporal punishment.", he stated looking at them sternly.
"What?", Draco asked bewildered. "I thought that never happened in the school!"
"It does happen Draco, yet rarely.", Dumbledore answered evenly.
"But i've never heard anyone receiving any punishment like that!", he said bewildered. His godfather had promised him a spanking later too and having already received one from Dumbledore would not make things any easier.
"I would guess that students are a little embarrassed of getting spanked, i'm afraid Draco. It's normal never admitting something like this. Now, as your guardian is already here, all we need to do is call Sirius and get this over with.", the headmaster added.
"Why does Sirius need to be here?", Harry asked bewildered. Ha was hoping he wouldn't have to face his godfather until later.
"Because corporal punishment is always administered in front of the parents or guardian Harry. It's the school rules.", Severus said as he threw floo powder in the fireplace to call Sirius. Sure enough a few seconds later a confused and worried Sirius emerged from the fireplace.
"What's going on?", he asked worriedly. "Are you alright?", he added to his godson.
When Harry's eyes traveled to the floor as he nodded Sirius realized what this was about. After all he had been in that office with his parents or Jame's parents called more than once. Dumbledore explained him everything and gave him and Severus a parchment to sign. When they did Dumbledore opened some drawer in his desk and drew a large wooded paddle. Then rising to his feet he said, "Severus and Draco please wait outside until I call you. Harry, you'll go first. Please remove your robe, come to the desk and bend over it.", he said a little more gently than before. Harry gingerly obliged. He took his robe off and handed it to Sirius who glared at him sternly, before bending over the desk. He felt his thin trousers stretch over his bottom and realized how little protection they would offer. He rested his head to the cold wooden surface and waited. Dumbledore then slowly approached and stood beside him putting a hand on the small of his back. "Keep your hands always in front of you Harry.", he said kindly, before raising the paddle and landing the first lick.
CRACK!
Harry yelped loudly at the stinging sensation. A few seconds passed before the headmaster brought it down again hard.
CRACK!
Harry managed to keep his yelp this time, but the burning intensified too much for his liking.
CRACK!
The third lick landed directly on his sit spots harder than the previous ones and made him yell out in pain. He felt his eyes moist. Now it simply hurt.
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
The next three landed with quick succession making the boy yell out again, and a few tears to escape his eyes.
CRACK!
Directly on his sitspots.
CRACK!
Same spot, with a few seconds between the blows. A few more seconds passed before the ninth blow.
CRACK!
Harry was now crying. It hurt too much to care right now.
"Last one Harry. You've done great so far!", Dumbledore said kindly, and lifting the paddle he landed the hardest of all blows on the boys sitspots again. Harry kept crying over his desk, while the headmaster gently rubbed his back, trying to calm him down. "When you are ready you are free to go, my boy.", the headmaster said kindly, when Harry rose slowly from the desk, and handed him a handkerchief.
Harry walked towards Sirius, who now was looking at him sympathetically. Having been on the receiving end of that particular punishment himself he just knew how bad that old man could make a young man's bottom hurt. Putting a hand on the boy's shoulder and squeezing it comfortingly he apologized to Dumbledore for what had happened and they flooed away to leave the headmaster deal with the other teen as well.
When Harry stepped in their living room along with Sirius he glanced at the man guiltily before concentrating on the carpet. His godfather sighed and putting a hand on the boy's shoulders again he lead him to the kitchen. "Sit..", he said calmingly yet sternly.
"Do I really have to?", Harry asked pleadingly.
"Yes, you have to, Harry.", Sirius said decisively. He had already decided that he would not spank Harry too. Dumbledore had made quite an impression, so there really was no need. But a little discomfort by sitting on a freshly spanked bottom would do the young boy some good. When Harry did as he was told Sirius asked, "Did you realize why you got that paddling Harry?"
"Because I tried to use a very dangerous curse on Malfoy.", Harry said squirming uncomfortable on the hard chair.
"And why else?"
"Because I acted stupidly not handing in the book, but trying the magic in it instead.", Harry said blushing.
"Exactly. Harry you are sixteen years old! In a year you will come of age! You need to start thinking before acting! How many times do we have to talk about this?", Sirius asked seriously.
"You're right, i'm sorry. I really am...", the boy said quietly. "Will you... punish me too?"
"You mean spank you? No, I won't. I have received quite a few paddlings by that old man myself and I know just how effective they are.", Sirius said. And smiled when he saw the boy relax. "But you're grounded.", he added. Harry's shoulders slumbed though he nodded understandingly. He expected as much. Since Severus already gave you detention for two weeks, which of course will begin after the holidays, I will only give you a week. But it will be a hard one believe me! You'll wake up, you'll study, you'll do your chores, you'll do more chores, a little more studying and then bed. And that will be it for the next week. Only exception Christmas/ You still won't be allowed out, but I will spare you the studying and chores for that day only. Got it?"
"Yes, Sirius.", harry said grumpily.
"That's all, you're free to sulk in your room for the rest of the night...", his godfather said teasingly.
"Well, I was thinking it would be nice if we played exploding snap with All and Ses...", he offered smiling hopefully.
Sirius ruffled his hair and smiling followed the boy in the living room summoning the cards on their way.
…...
Severus was looking at his godson concerned. The boy was gingerly sitting on the sofa waiting. Severus had just finished giving the boy the promised spanking just a few minutes after they returned from Dumbledore's office. Of course he went rather easy on the boy. With a butt already tender from a paddling a mere hand spanking had him repentant and apologizing in a little more than a minute.
"How are you feeling?", Severus asked evenly.
"How do you think? I just got one of the worst wallopings of my life...", Draco answered staring at his hands.
"And you most certainly deserved it! What on earth got into you and you tried to cast an Unforgivable?", he asked more sternly now.
"Potter is trouble! If he had heard me and suspected anything he would make everything harder. I just wanted to scare him away from me.", Draco said angrily.
"Watch your tone!", Snape warned. "That is still no excuse. What were you fighting with Crabbe about?"
"He had told me he'd help... But he won't...", Draco said. "I'm on my own...", he said and his voice cracked. Severus looked at the boy and felt desperate to help him. He saw the dark circles that told him his godson had not slept for days, his slimmer than usual frame that indicated how he hadn't been eating. His desperate eyes.
"You're not on your own, Draco.", he said matter-of-factly. "I have a solution to offer you.", he added. When the boy looked at him through his tears he said, "It will come with great responsibilities though. It won't be easy. But it will save you and your parents. Are you willing to do something that will keep you all safe and quit trying to kill Dumbledore, Draco?", he asked. He was searching the boy's mind all the time. He couldn't take risks. He needed to know, that Draco was sincere.
"Yes, I am willing to do anything to get out of this... Anything!", he whispered.
Severus saw that he was telling the absolute truth. He rose to his feet and lifting Draco from the sofa he hugged him tightly, before saying, "Alright then, come along. It's time we discuss a few things with professor Dumbledore.". And to the boy's questioning stare he simply said, "Trust me, Draco."
Here it is! I hope you all enjoyed! Please review! :)
