Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all public characters, and the world of Harry Potter. There is no intention to violate copyright.

Plotting, Duels and Consequences

Friday, December 17, 1999

POV - Potter - Baby announcement

Why didn't they work? My left hand twisted and pulled at my hair while I tried to sort my course schedules. Where did I go wrong? Half my classes fell behind, and the others progressed faster than intended. Ravenclaw students delved into their lessons, and Hufflepuff worked hard to avoid failure. They leapt ahead of Slytherin and Gryffindor. House rivalries had us competing for best marks, but these students were lazy.

Did they prepare for class, or was I supposed to read the textbooks to them? That question reminded me of Severus's biting remarks about my study habits, and I realised I sounded like him. Merlin, I didn't want that, but he had a point. Ron and I read the books while revising for our exams, but not before each class. Why read the material twice? Hermione nagged us for seven years, but she had an unhealthy obsession with books. We should have listened to her.

The link hinted at an elevated mood, and I suspected Rosmerta came home from work. It was that, or Severus discovered an interesting potion. His hatred of the link encouraged him to experiment with ways to deceive it, and he focussed on other emotions. It confused me at first, because I didn't realise what he was doing to cause the sudden changes. The link gave him basic information about me, but I had a direct connection to him. It worked better than a monitoring charm.

Severus would become infuriated if he knew the true invasiveness of the link, and I tried to limit my reactions to give him more privacy. Was it possible to lessen the information? Hermione was the only one I could ask, and she agreed to help with the needed research. Soft footsteps interrupted my thoughts, and I glanced into our common room.

Ginny gave a gentle push on the ajar door. "Harry, can I see you for a minute?" She had a beautiful flush to her face, and her eyes darted around the study. She bounced on the balls of her feet, and I realised she was giddy. That was a relief, but her mood could change in minutes.

"Of course, you may always enter my study." She smirked with a huff, and I realised my error. "Except when I have visitors." Did I sour her mood? Her returning smile relieved my anxiety, and I thought of my earlier conversation with Severus. Did someone curse our wives? They suffered from emotional instability, and it started a month ago. It was worse than normal. "Did the Holyhead Harpies recruit you?"

"No, Harry, it's better!" How could anything beat playing professional Quidditch? I crossed the office, and she leapt at me. Seeker reflexes allowed me to catch her, and she wrapped her arms around my neck. Ginny cuddled close, and pulled me into a kiss. The link told me of Severus's intense joy, and I became more eager to hear the wonderful news.

She wiggled to free herself from my arms, and I set her on the floor. We continued to embrace, and she giggled. "Harry, I'm two months pregnant!"

"What about Quidditch? You can't play while... wait... baby?" Ginny laughed at my expression, and an overwhelming sense of happiness filled me. It mixed with Severus's, and became a lot stronger. Was that how it felt in Heaven? "I'm going to become a father?"

Ginny rolled her eyes, and tickled my chest with her feathery touches. "Well, we won't know without a paternity test..." What? Her snicker made me realise my stupidity, and we laughed until tears came from our eyes. "Rosmerta is pregnant too."

"That explains Severus's delight, she must have just told him."

My redheaded wife nodded with a gleeful expression, and she gushed her words. "Rosmerta and I found out this afternoon. We wanted to tell you together, but Severus already knew. Wait, what do you mean? He told Gedion."

"Yeah, I always suspected he could read minds. Maybe she confirmed his suspicion." Ginny snickered at my explanation, but she didn't need more information. Most Gryffindors assumed he had that ability.

Ginny grabbed my hand, and pulled me towards the mirror. She turned to her side and lifted the blouse above her stomach. "Harry, does it show?"

She pushed out her belly, and I gave it a gentle rub while I tried to answer her question. "It feels a little swollen." A quiet gasp hinted at my having said the wrong thing, and she turned back towards the mirror. "Nobody could tell by looking!"

"You could," She said with a quiet voice, and studied her reflection. "Am I getting fat?"

"No! Ginny, you are the most athletic woman I know. You are beautiful, and very skinny." Her eyes widened, and I realised my foot worked its way further into my mouth. "I meant to say thin. Ginny, you are gorgeous."

She turned from me and sniffed. "You're just saying that."

I approached from behind, and wrapped my arms around her. My right hand moved towards her hair, and brushed it from her neck. "Ginny, you are very pretty." She gave the mirror a bashful smile, and I tried to hide my relief. We needed to forget that conversation. "I'm happy about the baby, but can you finish school?"

Ginny shook her head, and gazed into my eyes. "No, it's too dangerous for expectant mothers. McGonagall told me to return next year after the winter break, and I can resume my classes. I asked her about private tutoring, and she disagreed. Potions and backfired spells could harm our child."

Was that the only way? I shouldn't have asked Ron about contraceptive methods. Ginny glanced at the floor, and I tried to comfort her with a light embrace. "Do you want me to talk to her? I'm sure Severus can think of a way to protect you and our child."

"No, it will work out." Ginny offered me a soft smile, and glanced at her reflection. "Besides, the Holyhead Harpies won't scout a pregnant woman for their team. I'll have a better chance next year, and I can continue to practice with Gryffindor. The Headmistress will allow me to play if I attend classes in the first term, and resume my regular studies in the second."

"How does that work?" McGonagall would do anything for her House. The thought delighted me, but I hoped she wouldn't make Dumbledore's mistake. Severus was worse when it came to favoured treatment, and I wondered if it would ever change.

Ginny straightened my glasses and gave me a warm smile. "I need to watch one class each week, and make sure I remember the course material. She wants me to retake the exams, but I don't have any homework until I resume full-time studies. It will give me more time with our child."

"Will you take it, our baby to classes?" She didn't mention anything, but I suspected we didn't want to refer to our child as an 'it.'

Hands moved to her stomach, and she turned to get another view. "Mom didn't give me that choice. I told her of my pregnancy, and she demanded to babysit."

An amused chuckle earned a smile from Ginny, and my chest swelled with pride. Molly would never allow anyone else near her grandchild, and I wondered if Arthur would ever get to hold it. The lithe beauty curled into my chest, and I kissed her on the neck. "I love you, Ginny."

"You too, Harry. I love you, that is." Ginny grinned at me, and we held each other.

My hands ran through her hair, and I said the first thing that came to mind. "Want to have fun?" I motioned to the bedchamber, knowing she would understand.

"Do you think we can?" My head nodded, and I hoped that was the right answer. She thought on the question, and turned towards our room. I didn't hesitate to follow.

POV - Severus Snape - Christmas Shopping - Saturday, December 18, 1999

Rosmerta waved at me from behind the bar, and motioned to a table by the window. "Take a seat, Severus. I'll be with you in a minute." She received a nod in answer, and I strode to the booth with my head held high. It felt great seeing the envious looks from other men, and knowing she picked me. Rosmerta set a half-filled tumbler of firewhiskey before me, and a tea setting for two. She vanished into the kitchen and returned with two bowls of lamb stew, and a hot buttered loaf. "How goes the Christmas shopping?"

She leaned down and gave me a quick kiss before taking the opposite chair. I wanted more than a simple peck on my cheek, but decorum would not allow it. "Minerva will never lack toys for her cat form." I retrieved a small plush bird that fit into my palm. "They cast charms like the ones used on snitches, and added catnip to the stuffing. I wonder if it affects an animagus?"

Rosmerta almost lost her tea, but she managed to swallow before laughing. "Normal catnip might not have the same effect, but you can always make it more potent. I'm sure you can do something, and we both know you want to see a hyper Minerva running around the house."

The suggestion brought many ideas to mind, and I realised the potion would not take long to brew. "Rosmerta, you have a devious, but brilliant mind." She smiled at the compliment, and I shrunk the toy before stuffing it into my pocket. "Did Gedion show you their new suite?"

Rosmerta stirred sugar into her tea, and passed me a cup. "They chose the one below ours."

I swallowed the last of my firewhiskey, and accepted the tea. She eyed the sugar bowl, and grinned when I added several cubes. "Why would they choose a suite on the second floor? I thought Gedion wanted something closer."

The beautiful blonde smirked at my question, and folded her arms on the table. "They preferred the layout." How were they different? "Their suite has two separate bedrooms that attaches to a common area to give them more privacy. They can continue courting until they are comfortable with more."

"Those suites would not interest me." Rosmerta chuckled at my comment, but she didn't disagree. My voice lowered, and I spoke in a near whisper. "Perhaps, they have yet to consummate their marriage."

Rosmerta's eyes widened, and she scolded me with a hoarse whisper. "Severus! How does that concern you?"

Did anyone hear? A quick glance assured me of our privacy, and I narrowed my gaze on Rosmerta. "My mother married in a muggle service, because the Ministry refused them a magical ceremony. Her family head didn't approve of Tobias. Mr. Prince never acknowledged their wedding, and he tried to get an annulment. Muggles allow marriage dissolution before consummation, but his efforts failed. They completed the act before he could end their union."

Rosmerta gazed at me over her cup of tea, and set it on the table. "You're teasing me." My head shook, and she stared at me in disbelief. "That sounds barbaric! How do they know if a couple consummated? Do they watch them?"

Her expression wavered between disgust and disbelief. How did wizarding society know nothing of muggles? "Midwives would..." She didn't recognise the term. "Healers completed a physical examination to test if the woman stayed intact."

Rosmerta's nose wrinkled in disgust, and she crossed one leg over the other. "Muggle woman allowed that?" My head nodded, and I heard an indignant huff. "I thought our society had prudish rules. Dad didn't discover our premarital behaviour until after our binding ceremony. I hate to think what could have happened."

"Indeed, but we didn't realise he would return."

Rosmerta grinned at my pitiful excuse, and gathered our empty bowls. "Have fun with your shopping, hon. It looks like they need my help." She motioned to the bar, and I noticed a small line. She never wanted her customers to wait for service, and I understood. I kissed her on the cheek, and she returned to work.

I spent the next three hours in misery. Callous shoppers bumped into me, and I felt the occasional elbow. My mood soured, and I glared at everyone. Did they have to stare? A woman walked towards me with a quill and parchment, but my glower caused her to falter. She left without a word. How dare they stop for autographs? Do they think me stupid enough to sign presumably blank piece of parchment?

Rosmerta asked me to return after my shopping, and I realised her shift ended in fifteen minutes. Bumbling dunderheads irritated me, and I decided to use a secluded path behind the buildings. I didn't wish to push my way through the crowds, and the promised solitude would help reduce my frustration. A derisive snort interrupted fanciful thoughts of my beautiful wife, and I realised it destroyed my planned isolation. My gaze fell on Ronald Weasley, and I suppressed the urge to groan. Did he pursue me?

"Snape," sneered the redheaded git. "Don't vampires avoid the daylight, or do you use potions to protect yourself?"

The git annoyed me, and I wondered if he believed the foolish accusations. I tried to ignore him, and continued walking towards my destination. Weasley had other plans. "Don't go near Ginny's baby. You might have them accepting your goodness, but you don't fool me. Will you kill it for potion ingredients, or use it in a dark ritual?" The barmy git didn't deserve acknowledgement.

Weasley's shouts attracted an audience, but I didn't wish for another confrontation. Why did he insist on antagonising our family heads? I walked past him and continued towards the 'Three Broomsticks'. "Run away, Snape! Harry Potter isn't here to protect his precious little COWARD."

My hands squeezed into fists, and I held them at my side. Nobody called me a coward! I pivoted on the heel of my boot, and found myself facing the arrogant youth. "Mr. Weasley, your incredible ineptitude diminishes the pleasure gained through besting another wizard." The bond detected my defiance, but it didn't force obedience. The tingling sensation would compel me to tell the Master, and I didn't look forward to that meeting. Weasley would think I snitched. Would this ever end?

The muttonhead scoffed, and folded his arms. "I'm surprised you left the Manor without your little house elf." He turned to the few gathered and sneered. "How many other wizards need their elves to rescue them? Did you tell anyone about Binky protecting her wimpy master?"

The youth's shouts attracted more bystanders, and they stared at me. A few broke into ruckus laughter after hearing the git's portrayal of me being saved by a house elf, and others had nervous giggles. Several glared at the youth, and I realised they sided with me. I needed to focus on the git, and pulled my gaze from the onlookers. "Tell me, Mr. Weasley, does your incompetence extend to other pertinent areas? Perhaps, you wish to prove yourself a man by challenging me. Will this impress your girlfriend?"

More people gathered to watch the show, and loud snickering came from a youthful group. They said something to Weasley, and his face reddened. He drew his wand, and I used mental magic to cast a shield. The dunderhead bullied Draco with the same childish tactics, and I wondered if he would ever mature. My gaze turned to the bystanders, and I noticed several more running to watch the fight.

Word travelled quicker than I expected, and I hoped Rosmerta would avoid the area. It would devastate me if we harmed her, or my child. The crowd stared at us in anticipation, and I realised I had few options. Attacking him would make me a bully, but leaving turned me into a coward. The git waited for the late arrivals, and motioned people to the sides. It made little sense for anyone to stand behind us, and they soon realised their error.

The tingling sensation continued to build, and I dreaded Potter using the link's apparition abilities. Weasley pointed his wand at me and growled, "Voldemort turned his back on you, because he trusted in your loyalty! Your inner coward knew he lost, and you switched sides. You did nothing worthy of being called a hero!"

Bystanders jeered the youth. My espionage was a media sensation, and they would know of my wartime contributions. His face distorted in rage, and he flung the first spell. 'Acalanthus.'

My eyes narrowed at the arrogant git, and I redirected the hex into the ground. Reflecting it back was easier, but I didn't want to risk hitting a bystander. The git impressed me with his spell choice, because of the silent insult. Weasley tried turning me into a yellow canary, or a cowardly snitch. "I grow weary of your tiresome tactics, Mr. Weasley."

He scowled at me, and practised his wand movement for the next spell. Was he mental? "Try to block this one, Snape!" Did the git expect to win by giving me warning? He flicked his wand and cried, 'Aqua Magna!' A large watery wave gushed towards me. The bystanders gasped at the surging liquid, and tried to back away.

Mental casting would remove the water, but it left nothing for those watching. I shouted the next spell. 'Finite Incantatem!' The excess fluid vanished, and I folded my arms to stare at the boy. "Never use sluggish spells in a duel, Mr. Weasley. Hogwarts teaches basic tactics in the second year. I suppose, Professor Potter will allow you to attend his classes for a needed refresher."

The redheaded git growled at the laughing bystanders, and pointed his wand at me. "Try to do that with this one." The git grinned, and cried out the next spell. 'Incendio!' Flames burst from his wand, and screamed towards me. Leaping away would cause them to hit a building, or the Holiday shoppers. Abrupt force would diffuse it into the bystanders, as would my shield. All accepted defensive strategies would injure others, and it moved too quick for a 'Finite Incantatem.'

Cowards used the Impervius in duels, and I despised the youth for forcing me. It was the only way I could protect the crowd. I cast it with mental magic, and shouted the longer incantation needed for freezing the flames. It made the fire harmless, and it wouldn't affect anything else. The flames passed through me before I could finish the second spell. Did the crowd notice? Mental casting of 'Finite' ended the 'Impervius.'

Wild cheering erupted when our bystanders realised I had no damage, and I wondered if anyone detected my use of the undesirable spell. None called foul, so I continued antagonising the youth. "Impressive, Mr. Weasley. Your remarkable domestic abilities will captivate the minds of young witches. Perhaps, one will agree to marry you."

The Dunderhead scowled at me, and menacing laughter erupted from his throat. "You act tough, but we all know you answer to a nineteen-year-old man. Did you enjoy receiving your allowance from a student?" My gaze hardened on the insufferable prat, but I did nothing. I wished to know if he would tell my secrets. He wiped an arm across his mouth and smirked at me. "What does Rosmerta think of her husband needing permission to..."

He didn't finish that question. 'Langlock' glued his tongue to the upper part of his mouth, and I ended his threats by mentally casting the 'Tongue-Tying Curse.' Our bystanders fell silent. They didn't hear my last incantation, or the limits I set. Weasley could no longer discuss my enslavement, or Potter's punishments. If he tried, his tongue would roll backwards and prevent him from speaking.

Nobody had the power to undo dark magic cast by me, not even my Master. He could order its removal, but I doubted that he would. Weasley's face reddened, and frenzied cry erupted from his throat. Fury hardened his gaze, and he charged at me for a physical confrontation. The git expected to beat me, but the bond no longer crippled my actions.

The crowds stared in amazement while I cast another spell without using my wand. 'Flipendo' sent the git flying backwards, and I bound him with 'Impedimenta.' The crowds cheered my victory, and declared me the winner of our unofficial fight. I approached the enraged youth. "Your animosity exasperates me, Mr. Weasley. Our duel ends, and I will release your bindings. Do you wish to disagree?" The redheaded git shook his head, and I cast the counter curses. I refused to cast Finite; It would undo my spell.

The crowd continued to cheer while we tipped our heads at one another, and pretended we had engaged in an honourable duel. Few would know the difference. The git apparated, and I resumed my earlier course towards The Three Broomsticks.

The Three Broomsticks

Rosmerta greeted me the moment I entered, and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Severus, what happened out there?"

Someone clapped me on the back, and I glanced at the elder wizard. "Nice duel, son. Old Snake head could never match your power." The elder cackled at his joke, and Rosmerta smiled at him in greeting. "Rosy-girl, I want to honour this young man with a round for everyone! See to it that he gets your finest whiskey."

"Thanks Pete, you know I will." She offered the man a wide grin, and he strolled towards a table with two other wizards. They greeted him with booming voices, and quieted once he settled into the booth.

My voice lowered, and I asked in a near whisper. "How do you handle those rowdy patrons?"

Rosmerta laughed at my question, and shook her head. She passed the message to Chuck, and lead me to a table. "Old Pete would never harm anyone. My rowdy customers don't come in until later, but Chuck knows how to deal with them. We have our methods."

Indeed, I couldn't see the burly man pulling ears, but it worked fine for Rosmerta. She vanished into the kitchen, and returned with the evening meal. My plate had four times the normal serving, and I groaned when she sat it before me. "I don't feel like eating."

My beautiful wife cast 'Muffliato' and sat across the table. "The cook dished our food, so I couldn't lessen the amount without drawing attention." She received a nod, and I picked at the potatoes. "Severus, are you worried about Harry?"

I swallowed the whiskey in one gulp, and stared at the plate looking for an answer. "No. Rosmerta, I need to stop Weasley."

She drank a sip of tea, and dipped a roasted potato into gravy. "What about Harry and Arthur's plan?"

My head shook, and I glanced over her shoulder. "The bond doesn't allow me to express my opinion of the Master's plan." Rosmerta smirked at me, and prodded for more information. My lips curled in disgust, and I lowered my voice despite the Muffliato. "Snitching, Rosmerta, they want me to leave and tattle to Potter. I will not have anyone think me a coward."

Rosmerta's lips quirked upwards while she tried to suppress her laughter. I appreciated the effort, but she didn't succeed. "Potter believes you will agree to that asinine arrangement?" My head nodded in response. "He doesn't know you."

The conversation needed careful attention, and I had to work around magical limitations. "The bond grants me freedom with my thoughts, but I cannot speak against the Master. It won't allow me to tell you of my plans."

Rosmerta noticed my discomfort, and she tried to resume our conversation. "Severus, I understand, and I can guess at your idea. Do you want to hear it?" I nodded in answer, and she started the explanation. "People notice Ron when he challenges you, and your acceptance makes him an equal. He knows you are forbidden from harming him, because of Harry's protection. It's time for you to disobey your Master, and end Ron's childish attempts to gain recognition." She paused, and lowered her voice. "You mean to hurt him, don't you?"

"Indeed, I hoped you would understand the necessity." My wife knew me better than anyone. The tingling sensation increased with my admittance, but it felt different from normal. What made it change?

Rosmerta nodded in agreement, and offered me a coy smile. My heart filled with devotion, and I sensed the same in her eyes. "Did I miss anything?" My head shook in answer.

I rubbed my temples, and glanced at the beautiful woman. "Rosmerta, direct disobedience results in punishment, and my Master will consider this a severe offence. He prefers to restrict my freedoms, and it will affect you. Do I have your support?" Why did the bond demand excess submission? The Master wasn't here, and it forced me to use that title.

A lithe hand grabbed mine, and gave it a little squeeze. "We will survive, Severus. We need to do this for our future family, and I'm willing to make the sacrifice. Don't worry about me."

Rosmerta's approval gave me strength, because it terrified me to repeat the same mistake. I ignored Lily's opinion and pursued my interest in dark magic. She couldn't accept my apologies for calling her a foul name, because it confirmed her suspicions of me engaging in death eater activities. She never forgave me for socialising with Voldemort's followers, and I regretted having ignored her wishes.

It would destroy me to make a similar mistake with Rosmerta. We left the tavern after eating dinner, and enjoyed a long walk through Hogsmeade. Our journey ended near a secluded bench along the path to Hogwarts. Rosmerta curled into my side, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulders while we talked about our day. The conversation soon turned to our future child, and I cast warming charms to keep us comfortable.

The sun began to set, and we noticed an owl flying towards us. It landed beside me, and waited. I unbound the scroll with mental casting, and Rosmerta gave the bird a piece of jerky. We watched the owl fly off, and a newspaper clipping fell to the ground. Rosmerta retrieved it. "Heroic Duel in Hogsmeade!" She didn't need to read more, and she finished the article in silence. I glanced at the scroll.

Mr. Weasley owled an article from the evening post. It surprised me that you didn't mention anything, but we will discuss it tonight at nine. Return to the Manor.

Harry James Prince

Rosmerta huffed at the parchment, and motioned to the clipping. "He sounds angry." She didn't need my confirmation, although I gave it with a nod. The blonde beauty rested against my side, and we continued to watch the setting sun. "We should return home."

My shoulders shrugged in response, but I didn't wish to shorten our romantic moment. The Master's foul mood would destroy my evening, and I wanted to enjoy this time with my wife. "I must attend the meeting, but I don't need to leave for another hour."

Rosmerta reread the parchment, and glanced at me with a worried expression. "He sounds furious. What will he do if you don't return at once?" My lips twitched at her question, and I leaned back on the bench without any intention of leaving. "Will he punish you?"

"Master told me to meet at the Manor for our 9pm tea, and not in our suite at Hogwarts. He never mentioned that I had to leave at once." Rosmerta comforted me with her smile, and we watched the setting sun while I thought of her second question. The demanded submission terrified me, but I tried to hide my anxiety. Would she think me afraid of the Master? "Indeed, I expect punishment." She nodded in understanding, and I knew she would wait for me in our suite. We left the bench at quarter to nine, and returned to Prince Manor.

A Slight Diversion

We floo'd into the main sitting room, and noticed our parents seated in the winged back chairs beside the fireplace. They had books in their laps, and a setting of tea. My head tipped to them in greeting, and they did the same to me. Rosmerta wrapped her arms around Gedion's neck, and snuggled closer to kiss his cheek. "I'm beginning to like the earlier shifts. It's nice to find people awake when I return home."

Gedion exchanged gentle affections with his daughter, and gave her a sly smile. "I prefer your earlier shifts. No father enjoys watching his daughter sneaking home late at night."

Rosmerta rolled her eyes in amusement and scoffed at her father's comment. Minerva ignored their exchange, and kept her gaze on me. "Severus, did you see the article in the evening paper?" My head nodded, and she waited for further comment. My silence caused her to stiffen, but it didn't end her questions. "Was it true? Did you have a duel with Ronald Weasley?"

"No, Headmistress." Three surprised gazes focused on me, and I realised the need to elaborate. "Neither side issued a formal challenge, but the bystanders thought we had. We encouraged their misconception, and I ended the fight in the expected way." Uncouth louts and ruffians engaged in common street brawls; war heroes fought in honourable duels.

The elders glanced at each other, and returned their gazes to me. Minerva rose from the chair, and placed a gentle hand on my lower arm. "Severus, I don't believe the Headmistress has any authority in this matter. Hogwarts has no rules against its professors engaging in duels with other adult wizards."

My throat constricted, and I realised she meant to take the role of my Mother. "Indeed." It placed me in an unknown situation, and I didn't approve. How would she react? Occlumency kept my emotionless mask, and I waited for my answer.

Gedion rose from the chair, and stood beside his wife. It was easier when I didn't have parents. "Son, I will give you the same advice my father gave me. Duels are dangerous, and serve little purpose in modern wizarding society." McGonagall nodded in agreement, but the elder hadn't finished. "They are also inevitable." He reached for Minerva's hand, and winked at me. "Make sure you win." Did he mean that?

He offered his wife an innocent smile, and she sighed at him. "He doesn't need your encouragement." Minerva removed her hand from my lower arm, and her tone became more serious. "Severus, you must end this."

Rosmerta's arm tightened around mine, and she challenged McGonagall with her glare. "It's not his fault!"

I refused to let her get into trouble protecting me, and I pulled Rosmerta against my chest. My voice lowered to a whisper. "I will handle this."

Gedion stepped towards his daughter, and tried to reassure her with a gentle touch. "We know, Rosmerta. The agreement made with the Weasley family cannot work, and we intend to speak with Harry. Severus, you have our support." My eyes flicked to McGonagall, and I wondered if he spoke for both.

An indignant huff came from the rigid matron. "It no longer surprises me that her eldest son moved to Romania, and the next one to Egypt. Percy had fled the family, and look what happened with the twins. They signed a ten-year lease for their shop and apartment. Did they fail to realise their children became adults? Why would they design a policy better suited for young children?"

The matron's rant eased my tension, and I offered her a respectful nod. "The bond prevents my participation in this conversation."

Rosmerta smirked at their stunned expressions, and she explained my situation. "He agrees with you, but it won't allow him to speak against his Master. He must obey without complaint." Her brows furrowed, and she glanced at me with an inquisitive expression. "How did you manage our earlier chat?"

"The bond penalised me with added static." My admittance didn't surprise anyone, and I glanced at the clock-I had five minutes. "Master expects me for evening tea." Three solemn heads nodded their understanding, and it pleased me to have their support. It would make the meeting easier.

Discussion with Potter - Warning - This scene deals with CP

Magic removed my outer clothing, and I stuffed the shrunken gifts into the closet. Potter didn't mention the slipper, but I grabbed the bloody item. It would mortify me if he ordered its retrieval. Our link warned of the Master's frustration, and I hurried to finish the needed preparations. He left the door open, and I entered his study. The bond demanded more submission than normal, and I bowed before my Master. "You may rise, Severus." Potter motioned to the empty chair before his desk. "Take a seat."

"Yes, Master." The increased submission limited my persuasive abilities, because it accentuated my disobedience. He knew the bond demanded the deference in punishment for my defiance. How could I convince the Master to change his policies?

Potter closed his book, and slid it across the desk. "Severus, are you a natural occlumens?"

"Indeed, Master." Why would he want to know?

The youth folded his arms, and motioned to the book. "It claims that muggles in traumatic situations can learn the basics of occlumency. They can slip into their mind, and ignore the body's pain. Asian schools teach this technique, and masters can end all physical sensation." Why would he care? He never wanted to learn. "How did you master this ability, and what age were you?"

The conversation concerned me. I wished to change its direction, but the bond forced me to answer his question. "Tobias beat me in a drunken rage. The buckle cut into my skin and tore chunks of flesh. Crying would worsen my punishment, but the pain became unbearable. My mind provided the necessary escape." These were my secrets, and I never wanted to discuss them. Did he wish to shame me? The bond urged me to answer the second question. "I was seven, Master."

Potter winced in sympathy, and coughed to clear his throat. I didn't want his pity. "Draco claims the cane causes excessive pain, but you can withstand it. The slipper is mild in comparison, but..." It often left me sobbing. The Master didn't vocalise my shame, and I wondered what stopped him. "What causes your different reactions?"

The wall received my glower, and I refused to answer the Master. Did he intend to humiliate me? My jaw clenched at the bond's urging, and I tried to overpower it. "I feel the effect of your canings, Master. Counting the strokes forces me to focus on our situation, and it reduces the effectiveness of my occlumency."

Potter grabbed a quill, and a blank parchment. Did he plan to make notes? "Why does the slipper cause a greater reaction?"

My eyes closed, and I turned from the youth. Why would he ask? It mortified me that he noticed, and I dreaded to think of others overhearing this conversation. Silencio helped with that. "Master, I realise you use the slipper to avoid harming me. The link fills me with your disappointment, and my guilt makes it difficult to withdraw from the situation."

Potter ran his finger against the book, and flipped to a specific page. The Master found what he needed, and read the information. "What would happen if I forbid occlumency?"

A loud gasp escaped, and I shook my head. "Master, I beg you to reconsider. That would destroy me."

Potter stared at me with a puzzled expression. The bond would never allow me to lie, but he disagreed with my statement. "Make me understand, Severus. Why do you want to suffer a greater punishment? It makes no sense. Why accept nine strokes with the cane when you only need three? Why make it harder?"

The youth continued to show his inexperience, and I hoped my explanation would satisfy. "Master, three strokes makes it easier on your guilt, but it will cause more harm than any physical pain. It will mortify me to lose my composure over a simple punishment. I can accept nine strokes without faltering, and keep my pride."

The youth grabbed his parchment, and crumpled it. "The bond accepts your explanation, but I don't understand. McGonagall gave me fifteen swats with the slipper, and I kicked my feet to lessen the pain. You accepted forty without crying, and I never heard a sound." Muggles raised a wimp. Potter arched his brows, and I groaned internally. Did he sense my smugness? "Severus, you surpass my ability. I won't tell anyone, so why do you worry about pride? Who will know?"

My situation worsened, and I felt a sense of despair. Why wouldn't he listen? "You would, Master. My shame would follow me."

Potter placed the quill in its holder, and gazed at me while he struggled with his decision. We sat in silence, and I waited to hear his verdict. "You may continue to use occlumency."

I responded with an extended exhalation, and I wondered how long I held my breath. "You have my appreciation, Master"

Potter glanced at the newspaper article. "Severus, you understood my expectations. What happened in Hogsmeade?" The bond forced my explanation. Why did it take control? The youth retrieved a two tailed tawse from the bottom drawer, and laid it on his desk. "Mr. Weasley said they used these at Hogwarts."

My head nodded, and I stared at the instrument. Excess phlegm caused me to swallow. Did they discuss my punishments? "Indeed, Master. Hogwarts would strap student's hands with three of the best."

"Did you bring the slipper?" I placed it on his desk in answer. He motioned to the items and asked, "What method do you prefer?"

"Neither, Master. Would you consider using the cane?"

The youth shook his head, and leaned into the chair. "It causes too much damage. I won't ever use it again."

It was my preference, and I needed to persuade him. "Master, spells will heal the welts and the broken skin."

Potter's gaze met mine. "How does that make me different from Voldemort? Healing you prevents people from noticing the abuse, and it offers me protection. Why do you want me to harm you?" His gaze fell on the instruments, and he rubbed his forehead. "My inclination is to place you on restriction. Do you prefer being grounded to Prince Manor?"

"No, Master. I would rather finish the punishment." Potter nodded in understanding, and waited for my decision. My gaze landed on the thick leather tawse, and I rubbed my fingers. Would it damage them? Would it prevent me from brewing? The possibility existed. My eyes closed, and I slid the slipper toward my Master.

He accepted my choice, and glanced at the tawse. "Why did you avoid this one? I thought you would prefer it."

Why did he need my reason? It horrified me to admit a potential weakness. "The tawse can damage my hands, Master."

The youth nodded, and banished the offending piece of leather. "Severus, you must tell me these concerns." I nodded in answer, and he moved to the couch. Potter sat in the middle and patted his knee.

Phlegm gathered in my throat forcing me to swallow. The earlier conversation ran through my mind, and I drew strength from my family's support. My gaze fell on the youth, and I approached him with a confident stride. He looked shocked when I placed myself over his lap, but I had no shame. The fault was not mine.

The first swat stung, but occlumency freed me from the pain. It allowed me to enter my mind, and I stayed there until he finished. I had no guilt, and I ignored his disappointment. The youth finished his assault, and my mind returned to the study. I stood before him without emotion, despite the sudden onslaught of pain. "How many did you give me, Master?" My backside needed a quick rub, but I refused to acknowledge my discomfort.

Potter rose from the couch, and handed me the slipper. "Thirty." He rubbed his scar, and tried to communicate with the link. What would he make of righteous indignation? "Severus, I don't understand. Am I correct to assume you disagreed with the punishment?" My head nodded, but I didn't dignify it with a response. "Write me an essay with your reasons. We will discuss them, and you can destroy it later."

"Yes, Master." My static vanished with the assignment, but the bond continued to demand increased submission. Why would it do that? Did it punish me for planning to attack Weasley? The redheaded git needed the lesson that I meant to teach, and I couldn't allow the bond's distraction. I bowed to the Master, and air hissed through my teeth. I had not expected the pain from my trousers.

Potter motioned for me to stand, but his gaze lingered on the floor. He couldn't look at me, and I left his study. We had much to discuss, but that could wait. I needed to find Weasley.