Enjoy! And please feel free to tell me what you love or hate about it - nicely.


"It's disgusting," Harry whined. "I don't want to take it." He could feel the tears clinging to his eyelashes and absolutely hated himself for it. He couldn't believe how he was acting over taking a stupid potion. Had he taken it twenty minutes ago when Snape first told him to, he would already be in bed. Snape would probably have sat with him until he fell asleep. He could have talked softly with his guardian until he drifted into sleep. The whole thing sounded wonderful to Harry except the taking of the potion before it all happened part.

Snape ran a hand down his face as he willed his temper to stay at bay. "We've discussed this numerous times. It is necessary to stop the nightmares. Now please stop making this harder than it has to be and just take it." He had been quite surprised by how quickly Harry had shown signs of regression. After dinner he had begged his guardian to play Exploding Snap with him which Snape had agreed to. The two of them played until Harry began yawning and Snape decided it was time for bed. The boy had nearly thrown a tantrum at the words and the situation had hardly improved since. It was then that Snape realized that his quick regression was likely due to his anxiety over the nightmares.

"Flavor it for me?" Harry requested in a desperate voice. "Please?"

"I've told you already it will not work. The ingredients are much too strong. There isn't a spell that will flavor it strongly enough to mask the taste," Snape explained for what felt like the millionth time.

"Can you just try?" Harry practically begged. His bottom lip was sticking out in a pout. "If you just try I'll take it."

"I beg your pardon? You will take it regardless," Snape replied sternly. "I am the adult and your guardian. You will not make deals with me with regard to things that you must do."

"Don't be mad at me," Harry whined causing Snape to be exceedingly grateful that he was normally a thirteen year old who was well past the whining stage.

"Then do as I am asking and take your potion," Snape replied in a much gentler voice. If he had to guess he would say that Harry had regressed a bit more than expected – he was acting more like an eight or nine year old than the expected ten year old child's behavior that Snape had been prepared for dealing with. Given the childhood Harry had described in the past, Snape was sure that the boy wasn't acting as he had years ago but rather as he may have if he had been given the chance at having a parental figure that he knew loved him unconditionally. He also still harbored all of the feelings, fears, and worries that he had prior to taking the potion. Snape did not doubt that Harry was still slightly upset about the meeting with Fudge and that his behavior was partly a result of that. The only consolation Snape could find in this was that tonight was likely the worst of it. With each day on the potion, the child would get just slightly better in his regression until he stopped taking it. Then, he would be back to his normal self.

Snape sighed softly as he looked down at the boy. He looked as though he was on the verge of tears. He hadn't meant to be so stern with the child. He knew that the way Harry was acting wasn't his fault. The potion made it nearly impossible for the child to control his impulses- the whining, the stalling- all were the effects of the potion. Of course the words were Harry's but how he presented them were out of his control. Unfortunately for Harry he would remember every second of his regression. Snape smirked slightly at the thought. He couldn't help but wonder if the boy would be mortified when he was done with the potion and realized how he had acted.

Harry shook his head with a fearful look on his face. "I can't, it tastes like old socks."

"Very well," Snape replied as he held his hand out. "I will flavor it for you but I promise you Harry it won't make a difference."

A huge smile took over Harry's face as he quickly handed the flask over. He was absolutely sure that Snape was wrong; if the man flavored it than it would taste loads better. "Peppermint please," he requested as Snape waved a hand over the flask.

Snape nodded before handing the flask back over to his young charge.

Harry held the flask in his hand as he looked down at it.

"I kept up my end of the bargain," Snape said. "It would do you well to keep up your end and take your potion without any more argument."

Harry quickly brought the flask to his lips and ingested the liquid inside. He pulled it away as he gagged dramatically and swore under his breath.

"I beg your pardon? What was that young man?" Snape asked sternly.

"That was awful," Harry replied in an accusatory voice. "You didn't really flavor it!"

"I most certainly did," Snape said sternly as he took the flask from the boy's hand and ushered him across the room to his bed. "I told you that it would not work. Furthermore if I ever hear that word come out of your mouth again you will be an exceedingly sorry little boy. Am I clear?" He was tempted to land a well-deserved smack on the pajama clad backside but he restrained from doing so. Despite the fact that the words being spoken were Harry's, Snape hardly wanted to deal with the meltdown he was sure the child would have if he was disciplined, especially not as he was trying to get the boy into bed.

"Yes Sir," Harry answered in a forlorn voice.

"Into bed with you," Snape instructed firmly.

"I'm not tired," Harry protested as Snape practically forced him into his bed.

"You most certainly are," Snape insisted. "You could hardly keep your eyes open downstairs."

"That was before. I'm not tired now," Harry whined as Snape tucked him in.

"I cannot find the words to explain to you how profoundly appreciative I would be if you would stop with that aggravating whining," Snape said in an irritated voice.

"But it's only eight o'clock and I'm not tired," Harry complained.

"You will go to bed this instant or tomorrow evening you will go to bed thirty minutes earlier," Snape threatened in a stern voice. He was quite proud of himself that he had found a suitable punishment for the child's antics.

"Not fair," Harry argued with a pout as he crossed his arms across his chest.

Snape huffed at these words. "How you are acting is not fair to me."

Harry considered these words for a moment. Snape had been pretty brilliant. He had played countless games of Exploding Snap with him after all.

"Sorry," Harry offered in a small voice. He could feel a large lump forming in his throat. He swallowed hard trying to make it disappear. He would die of embarrassment if he started crying over something so trivial.

"It's okay," Snape replied softly. "However I think tomorrow would be a good time to start working on your behavior. I understand that you are currently not in complete control of how you are acting but you are still in control of your thoughts and words Harry. You are also well aware of the rules. Surely you can behave better than you just did."

Harry nodded in agreement as he covered his mouth with his right hand and yawned loudly. "Okay."

Snape found himself gently ruffling the boy's hair before waving his hand, causing the lights to dim a great deal.

"Good night," Snape said gently as Harry's eyes shut.

"Night," Harry replied through another yawn. "Love you Snape."

Snape felt his heart swell at the words. The past few days had been challenging to say the least but Harry's words proved to him that he was doing something right. "I love you too."


"It is torture Moony; pure inhumane torture."

Remus had managed to leave the castle for the day. He had made sure to slip in that he was spending the day in Hogsmeade when he had seen Minerva this morning. The idea of lying to her to sneak off to the shack brought back numerous memories from his days as a student. He had been nervous as he walked down the long passage as if he would be caught at any moment and an owl would be sent to his parents. He had laughed loudly at the very idea. He had planned to share his thoughts with Sirius but his old mate wasn't in a laughing mood.

It was shaping up to be a hard morning for Sirius.

It seemed that the closer it got to the holidays, the more despondent the man became.

"I've told you he's not even in the castle," Remus replied gently. "He's-"

"With that blasted bat of a guardian," Sirius cut him off in a bitter voice. "I'm telling you, James is probably rolling over in his grave."

"Oh I don't know Sirius," Remus replied in a placid tone. "I would like to think that James would see that Harry is happy and be happy for him regardless of whose care he is in."

Sirius let out a forced laugh at these words. "He'll be in my care soon and then things will be correct."

"Correct?" Remus questioned as he eyed his old mate.

"James and Lily named me as his godfather," Sirius replied in a somber voice. "It has always been me who is supposed to have him."

Remus contemplated the words for a moment before slowly responding. "That is true Sirius. James and Lily did choose you for the job." He opened his mouth to continue but before he could Sirius beat him to it.

"Harry doesn't belong with him. He's head of the Slytherin house! He is a Death Eater!"

"Was," Remus corrected him. "Was a Death Eater – Dumbledore trusts that he is no longer involved in any of that."

Sirius snorted as he rolled his eyes. "Snivellus? He has been fascinated by the Dark Arts since we were kids. There is no way I'll ever be convinced that he isn't still involved in some way."

"As I said, Dumbledore trusts him and I put my trust in Dumbledore. I do not believe that he would allow Harry to be in the care of someone if he felt for one moment that it was not safe and in the best interest of Harry."

"I am what is in Harry's best interest," Sirius retorted.

"Perhaps that is true," Remus replied gently. "However you were not available when Harry was in need of a new guardian. I do not doubt that when given the opportunity to know you Harry will love you immensely Sirius. I am sure the two of you will share a wonderful relationship." He paused for a moment as he chose his words carefully. "But if you barge into his life and demand that you have custody of him I can only see it ending poorly. Unfortunately Harry does not know you yet and the idea that he would leave a guardian that he has come to know for someone that is a stranger to him is erratic at best."

Sirius felt his palms dampen at these words. He knew that Remus was right. Despite the fact that he already loved Harry as if he were his own son, the boy did not know him. He would have to form a relationship with him before his name was cleared.


"If you are not sitting in your chair in the next five seconds I promise you that you will spend the rest of the morning in your room."

Harry scowled as he nearly stomped his foot in anger. He had wanted to go outside this morning. He had hoped that Snape would even let him take his broom out. He had left it at Hogwarts when he had gone to his dormitory to get his belongings for the holidays but Snape had instructed Minka to fetch it days ago. Unfortunately he hadn't had a chance to ride it yet. Still he couldn't bring himself to obey the man even if it meant jeopardizing his plans.

"One," Snape said in a stern voice.

"Don't count!" Harry practically shrieked. He hated when Snape counted.

"Then sit in your chair and take your potion," Snape replied in a humorless voice.

"I don't want to," Harry whined loudly.

"Two," Snape continued.

Harry turned his body away from Snape giving him a view of his back as he crossed his arms across his chest defiantly.

"Three," Snape said. He could feel his anger nearly boiling over as his word caused no response from Harry. "Perhaps a trip over my knee before you go to your room is necessary as well," Snape threatened in a stern voice. The moment the words left his mouth he mentally scolded himself. The last thing he had wanted to do was threaten the boy so harshly.

"Snape no," Harry whined as he spun back around to face his guardian.

Snape raised an eyebrow. Despite his regret over the words he had to admit that he was quite pleased that they worked. "If you do not wish to be punished then you have the ability to control that," Snape replied. "Sit in your seat, take your potion, and then we can have a nice breakfast together."

"I don't want to," Harry said in a whine. "It's disgusting."

"Four," Snape said sharply.

Harry gave him a pitiful look as he took a step in the direction of his chair.

"This is your last chance," Snape said sternly. "If you do not sit down and take that potion in the next second I promise you that you were sorely regret it." He quickly said a silent prayer that Harry would obey him. He didn't want to follow through on his threat in the least.

Harry gave Snape one last pitiful look before rushing over to his chair and sitting down. "Do I hafta?" He asked as he picked up the flask.

"Yes," Snape nodded. "However if you do so now without making an ordeal out of it you will be rewarded."

"Rewarded how?" Harry asked as he smiled widely. "Can I take my broom out?"

Snape thought about the request for a moment before nodding his agreement. "You may."

Harry's smile did not diminish as he brought the flask to his mouth and quickly swallowed the potion inside of it. Although he made a slightly disgusted face, Snape instantly noticed that unlike the last two times he took it he did not gag, whine, or curse about doing so. Clearly a little positive reinforcement went a long way.

Snape tapped the table causing their breakfast to appear.

"Can I really fly?" Harry asked in an excited voice as he picked up his fork.

"You may," Snape nodded. "I do not go back on my word. However, you must stay in the backyard and you are only going out there for thirty minutes. It is far too cold to be out there any longer."

Harry debated arguing that he should be allowed to stay out for an hour. He quickly thought better of it though. He had a feeling that if he did he wouldn't be allowed to go out at all and really Snape was being pretty brilliant. He grinned as he ate a mouthful of eggs. "Thanks Snape."

"Do not talk with food in your mouth," Snape scolded gently.

Harry quickly swallowed his food. "Sorry."

Snape nodded a reply before eating a bite of his own breakfast. He watched the child, debating bringing up the topic that was lingering in his mind. He finally decided that by doing so he may get a more honest answer than he would have out of Harry under normal circumstances. "I want to speak with you about the meeting that you had with Fudge."

Harry made a disgusting face at the mention of the man's name. "He's a right git," the child said in an angry voice.

"Language," Snape chided him in an even tone.

Harry refrained from rolling his eyes. "You hate him too."

"How I feel about him is not your concern," Snape replied as he suppressed a chuckle. "During your meeting with him do you feel as though he was conniving?"

"Conniving?" Harry asked.

"Do you feel as though he set you up? Was he asking you questions or talking to you about certain matters to purposely try and upset you?"

"Yes," Harry answered without a moment of hesitation.

Snape was not surprised by the answer. He had expected as much but still he had to be sure. "Are you being honest? If you indeed are than I will believe you without a doubt. But, if you are not and you do not confess to it this very moment you will be in a world of trouble if I find out otherwise later. You have my word on that Harry and you should know by now that I am not a man that goes back on my word."

"I'm being honest," Harry replied in a sincere voice. "He kept bringing things up that he knew would make me angry."

Snape eyed the child as he ate the last bite of his breakfast.

"Can I go fly now?"

"You may," Snape nodded. "I will send Minka to fetch you in thirty minutes."

Harry grinned as he jumped up from his chair and ran over to the storage closet to retrieve his broom.

"Walk," Snape instructed. "You know better than that."

Harry slowed to a walk with his broom in his hand.

The moment he was out the back door Snape snapped his fingers causing Minka to appear in front of him.

She bowed and then looked up at him for her orders.

"Harry is in the yard on his broom. Keep a close eye on him but do not let him see you. Remember that he has regressed a few years – any shenanigans, any foolish tricks please let me know immediately."

Minka nodded seriously before snapping her fingers and disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Snape tapped the table causing it to clear before he stood and walked into the parlor. He sat down in his armchair, his eyes closing for just a moment as he thought back on the past twenty four hours. He was absolutely sure that dealing with Harry while he worked through this regression was going to be the death of him. More than once over the past few months he had pondered what it would have been like had he had custody of Harry much earlier in his life. Now that he had a small glimpse of how exhausting a younger child could be, he was perpetually grateful that Harry at thirteen - although a handful at times - was overall much easier to deal with. He would have to remember how easy he had it the next time the thirteen year old did something that upset him. He was however quite pleased with himself that given Harry's behavior he had yet to lose his patience with the child and actually punish him. He was sure that by the evening's dose of potion Harry would progress, even if only slightly.

He was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on the front door.

Snape quickly stood deciding at once that if it was Cornelius or anyone else from the Ministry he was not going to allow them to speak to Harry. The boy was dealing with enough right now he didn't need the added stress.

He opened the door and breathed a sigh of relief as he moved out of the way allowing his guest to enter.

"You look absolutely exhausted," Albus noted with a small chuckle. "I assume it is due to the effects of the Tantibus on Harry?"

"I had expected him to regress to the age of ten at the youngest but he appears to be somewhere around eight."

"A delightful age," Albus smiled widely as Snape raised an eyebrow at the declaration.

"He has had three tantrums so far," Snape informed him. "Convincing him to take the potion is a job in itself. Would you care for some tea?"

"Lavender if you have it," Albus replied with a soft smile as he followed Snape into the kitchen.

Snape tapped the table causing a pot of lavender tea, a stack of tea cups, and a plate of biscuits to appear. He quickly poured them each a cup of tea as Albus sat down.

"Tantibus does have a dreadful taste to it; surely you cannot blame the boy for being hesitant to drink it."

"I do not blame him for being hesitant," Snape replied as he sat down. "The fact remains though that he must take it and I must be the one to enforce that he does." He paused for a moment as he sipped his tea. "Have you spoken with the Ministry?"

Albus nodded. "I have the recording of Harry's meeting in my possession. I must confess that I have already listened to it."

Snape did not miss the look in the older man's eyes – sadness mixed with anger.

"Cornelius was unjust. I've arranged for a meeting with several Ministry members after the holidays in order to either stop these meetings altogether or demand that they send someone a bit gentler to deal with a child."

Snape felt a surge of gratitude at these words. "Thank you. I would be immensely grateful if something could be done."

"Something needs to be done," Albus replied. He waved his hand and a moment later the recording of Harry's meeting with Cornelius was playing loudly.

Snape felt his irritation within seconds as he listened to Cornelius go out of his way to mention that the Ministry was privy to the paddling that Harry had received. His irritation grew as the man went on to have the gall to speak with the child about his father. His blood began to boil as Lily was brought into the conversation. Once again he was hit with a pang of guilt at punishing Harry for what had happened. He quickly pushed it aside as he forced himself to remember that he had done the right thing regardless of anything else.

The recording ended with the slam of a door.

"He was completely out of line," Albus said in a grave voice. "I am confident that when I meet with other members of the Ministry they will agree and the situation will be dealt with accordingly."

"Is it within my parental rights to forbid Cornelius from speaking with him?" Snape asked. He could still feel his temper fuming.

"I believe you have the right to request someone else but I am not positive," Albus replied before taking a sip of his tea. "I will look into it."

"Thank you," Snape replied softly as Minka suddenly appeared at his feet.

"Master Snape," she said in a worried voice as she bowed deeply.

"Is Harry okay?" Snape asked in a worried voice. He was already on his feet ready to run outside at a moment's notice.

"He is not in danger," Minka replied. "He is doing tricks on his broom. You asked me to tell you if he did Sir."

"Tricks?" Snape questioned.

"Yes Sir," Minka nodded. "He was standing a moment ago."

"Collect him and bring him inside at once," Snape instructed as he sat back down.

Minka nodded before snapping her fingers and vanishing.

The two men sat in silence for several moments as Snape willed his temper to calm down. Had his normal thirteen year old child pulled such a stunt he likely would have sent him to his room and then followed him up there to paddle his disobedient backside.

"Adolescent carelessness," Albus said in a kind voice. "Quite common – hardly cause to overreact."

Snape opened his mouth to reply but before he had a chance to the back door swung open.

"It hasn't been thirty minutes," Harry whined as he walked in with his broom in his hand. He spotted his Headmaster and instantly blushed at his behavior. "Hello Professor."

"Harry," Albus smiled widely.

"I happened to glance out the window and saw you standing on your broom," Snape said in a stern voice. He was quite pleased that despite the way Harry had been acting the child looked guilty at the accusation; not only guilty, but nervous, as if he was about to be punished. "Given those unfortunate circumstances I think it would be best if you put your broom away for the day."

"But –" Harry began to protest but Snape swiftly cut him off.

"Should you do so without incident you will be permitted to try and follow the rules and fly again tomorrow," Snape promised. He could see the frustration on Harry's face but the boy turned and put him broom in the closet as he had been asked.

"Would you like to join us for tea?" Albus asked in a kind voice.

Harry nodded excitedly before looking at Snape for confirmation.

Snape nodded his approval before the boy rushed across the room and slid into his chair. Snape resisted the urge to scold him once more for running.

Harry picked up the teapot and attempted to pour himself a cup of tea causing Snape to jump up and take it from him, putting an end to a mess before it could happen. Snape could clearly see the child spilling the tea everywhere.

"I can do it!" Harry insisted as Snape removed the tea pot from his hand. The moment he realized he was not going to win the battle he sat back down and crossed his arms across his chest as he began to pout.

"Children who cannot behave will be sent for a nap," Snape warned him in a stern voice.

"Come now Harry," Albus said gently. "Have a biscuit."

Harry perked up a bit at the words as he reached across the table and took one of the larger biscuits.

Snape poured him a cup of a tea and then sat back down. He would have liked to tell Albus to stop spoiling the child but he knew it was an argument that he would not win.

Harry covered his mouth as he yawned before taking a bite of the soft treat.

"Perhaps a nap after your tea is a good idea after all," Snape observed.

Harry quickly shook his head as he swallowed his food. "Snape no," he whined. "I'm not even tired."

"You just yawned only a moment ago and you have had quite the productive morning. A warm bath and a nap would do you wonders."

Harry blushed at the idea of being sent for a nap in front of Dumbledore. "No," he insisted.

Over the past few months Snape had drilled it into Harry's head that telling him no was unacceptable behavior. Of course, that was thirteen year old Harry not thirteen year old Harry with an eight year old trapped in his body.

"It isn't up for discussion," Snape replied curtly.

"Tell him he isn't being fair," Harry said to Dumbledore. "I'm not even tired."

"Well now Harry the potion you have been taking nearly requires that you nap daily," Albus explained gently. "I certainly don't think that making sure you do so is cruel."

"It is!" Harry insisted. "Don't take his side. He is being a mean old git."

"Harry," Snape resorted to the tone that he knew would get the child's attention.

As if he hadn't regressed at all Harry's head snapped in Snape's direction. He was absolutely sure that he had gone too far.

"You will leave this table at once," Snape instructed. "You will go to your room and think about your behavior."

Despite the fact that he knew he was getting off easy for what he had just said Harry couldn't help but feel angry over the fact that he was being sent to his room in front of Dumbledore. He practically threw his half eaten biscuit onto the table before pushing his chair back with too much force, standing up and then stomping out of the kitchen.

Snape was done.

As far as he was concerned he had put up with far too much from the child. Regression or not he could not allow his child to act in such a way.

"Excuse me," he said to Albus as Harry walked out of the kitchen.

He was on his feet and a moment later he was in the parlor just a step behind Harry. Without giving his actions another thought, Snape reached out and grabbed hold of Harry's arm with his left hand as his right hand delivered a solid smack to the child's backside.

"Ow," Harry yelped. "That hurt!"

"Good I meant it to," Snape replied in a stern voice as he released his grip on the child. Harry's right hand instantly went back as he desperately tried to rub the sting out. He looked up at Snape absolutely dreading whatever was to come next.

"I have had enough of your behavior. You will march yourself up to your room where you will sit and think about what you have done and how you can behave better. I will be up shortly and we will discuss how you have been acting further. At that time I will decide whether you deserve proper punishment."

Harry quickly shook his head. "I don't," he whined in a desperate voice. The tears were already clinging to his eyelashes at the idea of being walloped. The single smack he had just received had hurt enough. Yet despite the fact that Snape had just assaulted his bum he wanted nothing more than to be near the man.

"To your room," Snape instructed once more forcing himself to remain stern.

"I don't want to go to my room," Harry whined as a single tear rolled down his cheek. "And I don't want to be in trouble. I didn't mean it, I'll be good!"

"Standing here and whining does not convince me of that however obeying what I said and going to your room may do so," Snape replied. He felt dreadful about the idea of Harry sitting in his room worrying over the fate of his backside but he would not go back on his words – nothing would be more counterproductive than that.

Harry brushed the tear from his face before he opened his mouth to reply and then thinking better of it, quickly shut it, turned, and rushed up the stairs.

Snape turned on his heel and walked back into the kitchen forcing his feelings of guilt to diminish.

"I apologize for his behavior," he said as he sat back down at the kitchen table.

"There's no need," Albus smiled kindly. "Clearly the potion is having quite the effect on him."

"To say the least," Snape replied in a grim voice.

"I won't keep you when you have Harry to deal with," Albus said as he stood. "I really must be going anyway. I am traveling until after the holidays and I would like to get on my way before it gets too late. We'll continue the discussion about the Ministry at Hogwarts."

Snape nodded in agreement as he stood.

The two walked to the door in silence.

Albus opened the door and then paused turning back to Snape. "Do go easy on the child won't you? Eight certainly isn't an easy age." He smiled softly before turning and walking out the front door. The moment he stepped onto the front porch he vanished into thin air.

Snape sighed softly to himself as he turned and looked up the staircase. He had a feeling that the rest of the morning was going to be quite long.

TBC...