December - Harry, age 11
Harry grinned brightly as he sat on the floor of the parlor, the Christmas tree glittering with its lights next to him. A soft glow from the fireplace warmed the room within the dungeon, the crackling echoing off the walls.
He always loved the holidays, but he was starting to love them at Hogwarts a bit more. Simply because of all the decorations! And the child was thrilled Snape agreed to have them spend the holiday at Hogwarts.
Breakfast had been a quick one, afterall there were much more important things to tend to that morning! Despite any scolding from Snape about slowing down and how the presents were not going anywhere.
Now they sat in the parlor, Snape in his armchair while Harry sat close to the tree.
Pulling a gift towards himself, Harry leaned back against the table. This one seemed different than the others. It was wrapped simply, a small card tucked into the strings that held the wrapping together.
"Does that have your name on it?" The man looked down at the child. He had not wrapped that particular gift or purchased whatever was in it. He had never seen it before at all and could not help but wonder where it had come from. "I do not recognize it at all."
A soft yawn escaped the man as his eyes remained on his child. Every year he hoped that Harry would allow him to sleep a bit later on Christmas morning and every year he was still woken long before the sun.
"Yeah." Harry pulled the small card out, opening it with a slight frown. " 'Your father left this in my possession when he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well.'" He glanced up to Snape, a smile tugging at his lips at the mention of his father. "It was dad's!"
Without any further prompting, he opened up wrapped up material, slowing as the silvery fabric was exposed. "What is it?" The child stood, carefully pulling the silvery fabric up with him.
Snape's brow wrinkled at the very idea that the cloak was something that had belonged to James Potter. It was likely the very last thing Harry needed. He was sure it could not be as simple as a basic cloak. "I'm not entirely sure." The man forced his tone to remain normal.
Still, Harry's grin remained as he extended the cloak out, running a hand over it. After a quick moment, he slipped the cloak around his shoulders, adjusting it slightly while looking at Snape.
Snape felt his heart drop, his eyes widening as he saw the cloak around his child. Of course. Of fucking course. "It is a cloak of invisibility." The man let out a low sigh. "Likely a gift from Albus." The man had never known one to actually exist. The very idea that it would be given to an eleven year old was preposterous at best.
"A what?" Harry looked down, excitement entering his voice as he looked down at the floor! "My body's gone!" He spun around, a grin plastered to his face as he adjusted the cloak around him. "This is so cool, Snape!"
"Dangerous is what it is." Snape frowned. "I can only imagine the mischief you will get into with that." His frown deepened at his own words.
"What? No I won't," Harry huffed at the words, removing the cloak while folding it over his arm.
"You had better not." Snape hummed softly at the words. "A cloak like that is extremely rare. You may even have the only one in existence." He gave the child a serious look. "I expect you to take exceptional care of it."
Harry grinned, raising part of the cloak to rub slowly against his cheek. "I will! And it was dad's… why did dad have an invisibility cloak?"
"I haven't the slightest idea." Snape shook his head softly. He could not help but think that James Potter having this cloak explained a great deal from his own days at Hogwarts. "You had best stay out of mischief with that cloak as well."
"Mm, I will." Smiling, Harry sat back down on the floor with the cloak draped around his shoulders. "It's really soft too."
Snape made a soft noise at the words, forcing his tone to calm. "I am glad that you are so fond of it. Although his name is not on that package, you will have to thank Albus later."
"I will." His thumb brushed over the fabric idly as Hermione's words entered his mind. Information on Nicholas Flamel in the restriction section. Being first years, it would be impossible to get in there... but maybe...
Harry spared a look up to Snape, giving the man a grin.
"You have other presents to open." Snape gave a nod towards the pile under the tree. "It looks like you even received a few from the Weasley family."
Harry hummed, pulling a gift closer and looking at it. "This is to you from Mrs Weasley." He leaned back, handing the gift over to the man before looking back to this gift with a smile. "And one for me."
Crossing his legs, Harry opened up the decorated box while his grin remained. Ron had warned him his mum made everyone sweaters. He withdrew the blue sweater with a large golden 'H' in the middle.
Snape hummed softly as he opened his own sweater with a large green S knitted in the center. "Delightful," he muttered in an unamused tone.
Harry turned slightly at the uttered word, stifling a laugh before looking back to the gifts. Leaning forward, he pulled forward a much more shabby covered box. Small, just a bit larger than his hand. Yet there was a big card with large letters scribbled within it. From Hagrid.
His cheeks were certainly starting to hurt by that point as he removed the wrappers, opening the box and peering inside. A small wooden flute. Much like one he had seen Hagrid use himself, just slightly smaller.
"Quite a thoughtful gift." Snape mused before picking up his teacup and taking a long sip. "Perhaps you should spend some time this afternoon writing out thank you notes."
"Hagrid is still here. Couldn't I go see him later?" He rested the flute on his lap, looking over to Snape.
"After lunch, when it warms up a bit." Snape nodded. "You may visit Hagrid then."
Giving a nod, Harry stretched his arms up over his head with a large yawn before lowering them back down. "M'kay." He hummed softly, gently placing the item to the side.
"Finish opening your presents. I think a nap before lunch may be in order, little boy." The man set his teacup back down as a small yawn escaped him. "Perhaps for both of us."
Rubbing at his face, Harry looked back to the gifts. He hadn't asked for much that year. Though there were still several left as he went back to opening the remaining. Varies sweets and candies, a new wizard chess set, several different books about Quidditch, and various other games either he and his friends could play or he and Snape could.
Nearly half an hour passed before he yawned again, tugging the cloak subconscious closer to himself as he leaned back enough to rest against Snape's leg. "Thanks Snape."
"You are very welcome." The man's hand moved to reach down and gently ruffle the boy's hair. "I hope you have had a very happy Christmas." He smiled softly, looking down at the back of the child's head.
"Yeah." He hummed softly, scooting back to rest his cheek against the man's knee. "It's been great."
"Would you like a cup of tea and some biscuits? You hardly touched your breakfast." The man's hand remained on the boys head, ruffling his hair softly.
"I'll take some, yeah." Scooting further back, Harry rested completely against the man's legs while facing towards the table.
Snape leaned forward, tapping the table and causing a small plate of chocolate biscuits to appear as well as a cup of peppermint tea. "A small treat before a nap."
A fresh grin broke across the boy's face as he scooted up slightly, folding his legs in front of himself. "Thanks." He took the cup carefully, taking a small sip and finding it at a decent temperature before taking a larger swallow. "That's my favorite type." Harry smiled, lowering the cup down to the table.
"As I said, a small treat." The man's foot gently tapped the boy's leg. "You are pleased with all your gifts then?"
"Yeah!" He tilted his head back towards the man, grinning brightly. "I love them all. You gonna wear Mrs Weasley's sweater?"
Snape hummed softly at the question. "I do not intend to do so, no. It is not exactly my taste though it was quite nice of her to remember me."
Harry gave a grin, looking back to the table and picking up a biscuit and taking a small bite. "Mm." He raised his left hand, rubbing at his face tiredly.
"One of those and then you are taking a nap." Snape picked up his teacup, taking another sip. "I do not know why you insist on waking so early on Christmas."
"How can you not? It's the best morning." The child yawned loudly before taking another sip of his own tea.
"It would still be the best morning if you slept for another hour or so." Snape's foot gently tapped against the boy's knee. "You would also make it through the morning without a nap then. As would I."
"It's worth it." Harry shrugged a shoulder, eating the biscuit and finishing it up before focusing on his tea.
Snape hummed softly at the words as he set his teacup back down. "Drink some tea and then go get yourself back in bed. Another hour will do us both a world of good I'm sure."
"Aren't you going to bed too?" Drinking the rest of his tea, the child stretched out and tightened the cloak around his shoulders as he stood with another large yawn.
"I am going to rest my eyes for a bit." Snape gave a small nod as he looked over the cloak that the boy was holding once more. The man began to stand from his chair. "Come now, I will tuck you in."
The child yawned once more as he stood, allowing the cloak to fall from his shoulders and rest it back over his arms with a nod. "Kay," Harry hummed softly, starting down the hall and into his room.
"Do not sleep with that cloak on." Snape stood, following after the boy. He rested a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. "I may never find you if you do."
"I won't." He grinned over to Snape before stepping into his room and over to his desk. Carefully, Harry draped the cloak over the back of his chair before going to his bed with a hum.
Snape waved a hand causing the room to dim a considerable amount before moving over to the child. "Up into bed. I will rub your back for you."
Harry stretched once more, crawling up onto the bed and wrapping his arms under his pillow. "Mm."
The man pulled the blanket up over the boys shoulders before sitting on the edge of his bed, his hand gently brushing across the small back. "Try and nap for at least an hour or so."
"Mmm'kay. Maybe we can play chess this afternoon?" The child rubbed his cheek across his pillow, looking over to Snape.
"Chess is a fine idea." The man waved his free hand causing the room to darken a bit more. "We can try out your new set."
Smiling, Harry nodded slowly before relaxing with a sigh. "Love you."
"I love you too." The man's fingertips gently tapped against the small of the boy's back.
The day had gone on to be a great one. Having played several games of chess with Snape throughout it and going to the great hall to eat lunch, since it was nearly empty to begin with.
At one point Harry had been allowed out to the courtyard to enjoy the snow while the skies were clear and the wind wasn't sharp against his face. And so of course when evening came, he was positively exhausted.
Yet now, late into the night, Harry found himself staring up at the ceiling. If there was ever a perfect night to do what was needed it would be that night. Slowly he pushed himself up, biting his lip as he pushed on his glasses and slid out of bed. He wouldn't be gone long.
The child slipped on his trainers, deciding to not change from his pajamas. Afterall he would be back before morning. Quietly, he moved over to his cloak which remained draped over the back of his chair and carefully lifted it. He hoped this worked.
With a deep breath, Harry slipped the cloak over his head and body completely before slowly exiting his room.
Snape stirred, lying still as he listened carefully. He had thought he had heard something in the hall.
A long moment later the man's eyes closed once more. It was likely just Harry using the loo. The child had been well past exhausted when he had finally gone to bed. Snape was slightly surprised to hear the eleven year old up at all. With a soft hum he rolled onto his side, letting out a content hum.
Harry paused within the hall, eyes closing as he had stepped on a small creek. He spared a look over to Snape's room before sighing softly after a long moment passed.
Slowly he continued on, stepping into the parlor and looking over his shoulder once more to be sure his guardian's door remained closed.
A small grin pulled across his face as he moved across the parlor, adjusting the cloak around himself slightly as he opened the door and slid out.
Snape sat up straight as he heard the parlor door close. He was certain that he had not imagined it.
The man stood, moving across his room and into the hall. Seconds later he was in the parlor, his eyes darting around the room.
Harry moved swiftly up the stairs of the dungeon, his heart thumping rapidly against his chest. He had done it! Now he just needed to get to the library, see what he could find... then leave and get back to the quarters! Easy.
Snape felt his heart pounding in his chest as he moved back down the hallway. Quietly he pushed open Harry's bedroom door, the anger rising in him as he instantly realized his child and that blasted cloak were gone.
The man let out an exasperated sigh as he slammed the door shut and moved back towards the parlor. He was going to set that child's backside on fire.
Moving back to the parlor, he sat down in his armchair as he waved a hand causing the room to light. It would be pointless to go out looking for the eleven year old. With his bloody cloak he would never find him. He would wait for Harry to return.
Harry wasn't sure how long he had been gone, not very it seemed like before he messed up completely. Making it to the library had been easy enough, but it was the large book he picked up that ruined everything.
The scream that emitted from the pages caused the child to quickly return it back to its spot. Surely someone would have heard that! And Filch had already been wandering the halls!
Hearing his heart in his ears, Harry took off from the library, peering around the corners before quickly moving back down the stairs.
He hadn't been gone long. There was no way! He had only opened one book. He was fine.
Sighing, Harry slowed his steps against the cobbled stone of the stairs that led back down to the dungeons.
Snape had only moved from his spot for a fleeting moment, to fetch the wooden spoon from the kitchen. It was now sitting on the coffee table in front of him.
His eyes remained on the clock, watching the time tick by as he waited for his child to return. It had been nearly three quarters of an hour and he was starting to wonder where exactly the boy had gone. He knew that when he asked Harry he would be told the truth. That was one thing he could say for his child, he did not typically lie when asked a question.
The man let out a soft sound of annoyance as he shifted his weight slightly, sitting up a bit straighter. It was just past midnight and the man's patience was beginning to run exceptionally thin.
Ever so slowly, Harry turned the knob to the door of the quarters and slipped in as silently as he could and closing it just as quietly behind him.
Made it.
Yet the boy froze as he stepped into the parlor, noting the lights first- and then Snape. How did the man always know?!
"Less than twenty four hours with that cloak and already in trouble?" Snape's tone was stern as he turned his head to look over at the parlor door.
Harry remained completely still, closing his eyes tightly as the man spoke. Maybe Snape could think he was imagining everything? Believe that he wasn't in the same room.
"I saw the door open and close, little boy. I can see your trainers as well." The man's eyes narrowed slightly. "Get that blasted cloak off and bring your disobedient rear end to me."
Slowly, the child pulled the cloak off from over his head and dropped his hand to his side. His shoulders slouched down as he looked to Snape, eyes falling towards the table and noticing the wooden spoon. He remained in place, simply shaking his head slowly while closing his eyes. "No."
"Come here." Snape crooked a finger at the child. "I want to know where you were and why."
Swallowing, Harry slowly rested his cloak over the couch before making his way over to the man. He took in a breath, forcing his eyes off the table and to Snape as he moved in front of him. "I'm sorry."
Snape shook his head firmly at the words as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Where were you and why?" The man locked eyes with the child.
Harry wavered slightly, eyes breaking away from Snape's as he blinked several times. "You'll just be mad no matter what," he muttered, shrugging a shoulder up slowly.
"If you would like me to draw my own conclusions, I can certainly do so." Snape's hand moved, his fingertips tapping the boy's hip. "We do not need to talk at all. I can assume that you were up to no good. You can hand me that wooden spoon and I can spank your backside and put you to bed."
Harry shook his head, shifting a step back as he took in a deep breath. "No.. no." He shook his head looking down to Snape's knee. Shifting slightly, the child spared a look back up to his guardian. He was sure Snape wouldn't understand. "I just.. just went to the library."
"The library?" Snape raised an eyebrow. "What were you doing in the library that could not wait until morning?"
He looked down once more, shrugging slightly. "Trying to find information about something. Well... someone."
Snape's fingertips tapped the boy's hip once more. "My patience is running thin, little boy. Explain yourself properly."
Harry frowned, raising his hands to rub at his face tiredly. "I was trying to find stuff about someone called Nicolas Flamel." He lowered his hand, taking in a deep breath. "Thought there would be something in the restricted section."
Snape felt his anger rise at the words. "And why were you trying to find out about Nicholas Flamel?"
The child closed his eyes, only offering a small shrug. "Doesn't matter."
Snape let out an annoyed huff of breath before his hand moved around the boy landing an unexpected swat to his pajama clad rear end. "Get yourself in bed. We will continue this discussion after breakfast."
Harry jumped at the sudden smack, blinking as tears quickly welled up. Yesterday was so perfect! Now he mucked it up! And he didn't even find anything! "I'm sorry!" He gave the man a pleading look, blinking as several of the tears escaped and trailed down his cheeks.
"Go to bed. It is late." Snape shook his head firmly. "I will be there in just a moment to tuck you in."
"S-Snape." He moved closer, wrapping his arms around the man's neck tightly.
A soft sigh escaped the man as his hand moved to gently rub the boy's back. "We are absolutely going to discuss this more tomorrow. However, it is well past midnight now and you should be in bed."
"Don't be m-mad," Harry whispered into Snape's shirt, resting his cheek against his guardian's shoulder.
"Am I to be pleased with this behavior?" Snape's fingertips tapped against the boy's back. "You broke several of my rules and already got yourself into trouble with that cloak."
His left arm tightened slightly, pressing his forehead against Snape's neck. "I didn't even find anything," he admitted softly.
"Certainly not worth the trouble you are in now." The man let out a low sigh as he moved his hands to grip under the child's arms and stood, bringing Harry with him.
Tightening his hold, Harry wrapped his legs around the man as Snape stood with him. His shoulders slouched at the words as he closed his eyes tightly and shook his head.
"And what was the very first thing that I said in regards to that cloak? Hmm?" The man's hand moved to pat the boy's rear end. "That I did not want you to use it for mischief?"
The child tightened his hold, a soft whine escaping his throat as he pressed his face closer. He had just gotten the cloak too! Now Snape was going to take it away or... or something! "'M sorry."
"Oh no you aren't." Snape slowly moved across the parlor. He waved his hand causing the fire to put itself out. "You are sorry that you were caught. However, you are not sorry that you went in the first place." His hand patted once more, slightly more firmly.
"Yes I am," Harry scowled into Snape's hair as he shifted his head slightly. It had all been pointless and now Snape was upset.
Snape shifted their child slightly in his arms as he started towards the hallway. "It is too late for this discussion. You will go to bed, staying in your bed this time." His hand patted once more. "And after breakfast in the morning, you can explain this all to me a bit better."
"Dooon't," Harry whined softly, shifting in the man's hold slightly. "Don't be cross."
"I believe that I am well past cross and have moved much further into disappointment." The man paused in front of the boys bedroom door. "You know much better than to behave as you did tonight." He no longer patted but allowed his hand to land a firm tap.
Chin quivering, the child tightened his hold around Snape's neck. "I'm sorry."
Snape stepped into Harry's bedroom, waving a hand and causing the lights to come to a low dim. "Into bed with you." The man set the child down on his bed. "Lie down and roll onto your stomach."
Harry frowned as he was placed down, placing his glasses onto the bedside table before looking down to his pillow. Sighing, he laid down onto his stomach; His arms curled under his pillow, holding it tightly. "I am sorry," he repeated softly.
"Very well, you are sorry." Snape pulled the blanket up under the child's chin before sitting on the edge of the bed beside him. He placed a gentle hand on Harry's back. "What are you sorry for?"
He rolled over slightly as Snape sat down to look at the man better, resting his cheek against his pillow as a frown pulled at his lips. "For even sneaking out."
Snape hummed softly at the words as his hand moved gently across the eleven year olds back. "I forgive you."
Harry's frown remained as he closed his eyes, tilting his head slightly away. He doubted that his words would save his backside in the morning, and he cringed slightly at the mere thought of the wooden spoon once more.
"That being said, I am still disappointed in your behavior." The man's hand moved to rub between the boy's shoulder blades. "There are still consequences for your poor decisions."
"There doesn't have to be. I swear, Snape." He tightened his hold around his pillow.
Snape was silent for a long moment before his fingertips gently tapped the boys back. "We will discuss it in the morning, after breakfast."
Harry gave a faint nod at the words, sighing softly into the pillow. "Kay." He rubbed his thumb idly against the cloth, frowning. "Love you."
"I love you too." Snape's hand rubbed between the boy's shoulder blades. "Even when you do not listen."
The smallest of smiles tugged across the boy's face at the words, shrugging his shoulders slightly. "'M sorry."
"I know that you are. You have told me several times." The man tapped the boys back softly. "Eyes closed and go to sleep please. It is late."
A sigh escaped past the child once more as he rolled slightly onto this side, blinking before closing his eyes fully. "Night," he breathed.
"Goodnight." Snape waved a hand causing the room to darken. "Sleep well Harry."
As morning came, Harry stirred slowly and stretched his legs out with a soft sound. Humming softly, the child blinked and stared over to the window before sighing loudly. It was supposed to be a good day. He had wanted to play more of his new games and go out. Now he was sure Snape wouldn't allow him to go out at all.
Slowly, Harry pushed himself up and sat up fully while reaching over and taking hold of his glasses. Placing them on, he looked over towards his door with a frown.
Maybe Snape had calmed down and maybe he could get by without the spoon at the very least.
Standing, he crossed his room and peered out into the hall.
Snape sat at the kitchen table, The morning paper in his hands as Harry's breakfast sat beside him under a heating charm.
His eyes scanned an ad about several sales in Diagon Ally. He picked up his teacup taking a long sip before placing it back on the saucer. He was sure that his child would be joining him any moment. He wanted more of an explanation out of Harry. For starters how the hell he even knew who Nicholas Flamel was.
Stepping down the hall, Harry peered into the parlor before moving to the kitchen and peeking in as well. Spotting Snape in his usual seat, Harry let out a soft sigh to announce his presence before stepping in.
"Mornin'." Moving over to his own seat, the child slid in and looked down to his plate.
"Good morning." Snape turned a page of his paper. "Did you sleep well?" His eyes scanned an article regarding the new security measures that Gringotts was adopting.
"Yeah. Okay at least." He shrugged a shoulder, picking up a piece of toast with jam and taking a bite.
"Good." The man hummed softly as he continued to read. "Be sure to eat that banana as well. You've hardly had any fruit lately."
Harry looked to the piece of fruit, frowning slightly. Maybe things would be okay today? Snape didn't seem angry or really upset right then at least. "I will."
"Very good." Snape gave a nod as he finished reading the article and focused on the next which covered the expansion that was being added to St. Mungo's.
Wisely, he placed the half eaten toast down and picked up the banana while watching Snape. "How... are you?" Harry tested softly.
"I am fine." Snape gave a soft hum as he picked up his teacup, taking another sip. "Thankful that the castle will be quiet for a few days."
Looking back down to his plate, Harry found himself falling silent. This didn't seem right, but he wasn't about to ask about it either. Instead he simply focused on his breakfast.
Snape finished reading his paper, folding it and setting it to his side. He picked up his teacup taking another sip as he eyed his child's plate. He was pleased to see that Harry had eaten nearly all of it. "Whenever you are done we can move to the parlor and continue our conversation from last night."
At the words, Harry's shoulders slouched down a drastic amount as he lowered down his fork. Of course it was too good to be true.
Only offering a nod, he reached and picked up his glass of juice to take a large swallow. "I'm done," the child muttered softly, pushing his plate away.
Snape pushed his chair back and stood. "Do you need to stand in the corner prior to talking with me or do you think you have thought about your misbehavior enough?"
"I don't," Harry muttered softly, slowly standing and pushing his chair in.
Snape moved out of the kitchen and into the parlor, his eyes falling on the wooden spoon for a fleeting moment. He had left it on the coffee table the night before.
The man walked over to his armchair sitting down and waving a hand for Harry to join him. "Come here and explain to me where you heard about Nicholas Flamel and why you were looking for information on him."
Harry slowly followed after the man, pausing as his eyes settled on the spoon before back up to Snape. Maybe his fate was already sealed. Sighing, the child moved over to Snape, stopping just a foot short away. "Just heard about him in a conversation."
"What about him?" Snape pointed to the floor in front of him. "Why were you in the restricted area of the library attempting to look him up?"
Sighing, Harry slowly moved closer and glanced down for a moment as he went over everything quickly in his mind. There wasn't going to be a good outcome out of this for him. "Just curious about him. And we couldn't find anything anywhere else."
"Harry," Snape said the name in a warning tone. "I expect more of an explanation than that. I can draw my own conclusions as to who you are referring to in looking for this information, however, I do not believe that you were just curious. Mere curiosity caused you to sneak out in the middle of the night and go into the restricted area of the library?"
He took a breath, looking down towards Snape's knee with a frown. Well. There wasn't any harm in letting Snape know what he was curious about. After all the man knew about the previous run in with Fluffy.
"It's just. When we ran into Fluffy that night a few weeks ago? We noticed that there's a door in there... and- and then we heard about Nicolas Flamel. So we've been trying to get information on him. That's all."
Snape shook his head firmly as he felt a mixture of annoyance and fear rush through him. He was sure that the child was up to absolutely no good. "Absolutely not. That trap door and Nicholas Flamel are none of your concern. Am I clear?"
"So they're connected?" Harry pressed, watching Snape closely as he spoke.
"That trap door is in a forbidden area. If I catch you in that area again you are going to be an exceedingly sorry little boy." The man's eyes narrowed on the boy as he avoided the child's question altogether.
"I didn't say I wanted to go in it." The child frowned, raising his head up slightly.
"I know how that mind of yours works Harry. This is all leading up to you finding yourself in more trouble than you can handle." The man's hand moved to tap the boy's hip. "And what happened last night? You had that cloak for less than twenty four hours and you already found yourself in trouble because of it."
Harry frowned, shifting slightly as he folded his arms across his middle. "I've said I'm sorry," he whispered. "And I don't plan on doing anything."
"You do not plan on doing anything?" Snape raised an eyebrow. "You snuck out of these quarters last night in the middle of the night and went into the restricted area of the library. You have already done more than enough."
"And I told you the truth too," the child pointed out, his voice remaining soft as he looked down to Snape's knee.
"After getting caught." Snape's hand moved, tapping the underside of the boy's chin. "What stopped you from coming to me and asking me to take you to the restricted area of the library?"
Harry frowned, looking back up at the gentle taps. "Because I know you would have said no. You would have asked why- then told you. And you would have said what you just said... that it's not my business."
Snape hummed softly at the words. "If you know that I would not allow you to do such a thing, why would you then take it upon yourself to carry out those actions?" Snape frowned at his own question. "Knowing I would say no should be reason enough to prevent you from doing something."
His eyes fell once more as he only offered a small shrug. "I just wanted to see if I could find anything."
"And you see nothing wrong with your behavior because you wanted to see if you could find some information?" Snape's tone was soft yet firm as he eyed the eleven year old carefully.
"No, I mean yes, I do." Harry frowned as he looked back up to Snape, his shoulders slouched down.
"Are you allowed to just do as you please and leave these quarters in the middle of the night?" Snape gave the child a stern look.
Harry gave a small shake of his head, blinking several times as he felt the tears start to burn the back of his eyes. "No."
"Are you allowed to go into the restricted section of the library?" Snape's fingers tapped the boy's hip.
"No." Harry raised his hands, removing his glasses to rub at his face as his frown deepened. "And I'm sorry."
The man held out a hand for the glasses. "Aside from that you admitted to me that you knew how wrong it was yet you did it anyway."
Reaching out, the child placed the glasses into the man's hand. "But I didn't lie, he tried, brushing away a tear that escaped down his cheek.
"I appreciate that." Snape gave a small nod. "Your honesty is not going unnoticed." He let out a soft sigh as he took hold of Harry's hand and carefully pulled him a step closer.
"Snape." Harry slightly pulled back, attempting to stay a step back from the man.
"You broke some important rules, little boy. Rules that you know far better than to break." He carefully moved the boy once more, this time to his side.
Blinking, the child shook his head slowly while using his free hand to rub at his face. "You d-don't have to." None of it was even worth it!
"You will be pleased to know that the wooden spoon will remain on the table as you told the truth without hesitation." The man's hands moved to loosen the string on the child's pajama bottoms.
"Noo." A hint of a whine entered the child's tone as he pulled a step away, rubbing at his face with the back of his hand. "You don't have t-to do anything, Snape! I came straight b-back and everything... didn't even wander ar-around." Harry struggled to keep his voice even, clearly failing every few words as he shook his head.
"You snuck out of these quarters after curfew under your cloak to go somewhere that you were not allowed and to do something you knew I would disapprove of." The man frowned as he pointed firmly to where Harry had just been standing. "All of which is unacceptable and you know it."
Harry remained the half step away, rubbing at his eyes roughly. "And you don't have to p-punish me."
Snape crooked a finger at the boy. "You are getting yourself far too worked up over a little punishment."
"No punishment is just little," he uttered, moving back slowly while closing his eyes.
Snape's hand snaked around the child, gently rubbing his back. "Take a deep breath and calm down."
"'M fine," Harry whispered, rubbing at his face with the back of his hand as he moved forward to lean into the man.
Snape hummed softly at the words as he wrapped his arms around the boy. "You seem far from fine to me."
The child shrugged his shoulders up, wrapping his arms around Snape's neck as he rested his chin upon his guardian's shoulders. "I hate muckin' things u-up," he whispered, closing his eyes tightly.
"You did not muck anything up." Snape's tone was soft as he placed a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead. "You are allowed to make mistakes on occasion."
"You don't haveta punish me for every single one," Harry muttered, keeping his head against the man's shoulder before pressing his forehead slightly closer.
"I do not believe that I do." Snape raised an eyebrow. "I believe that there have been numerous times where I have allowed bad behavior or rule breaking to go unpunished." His fingertips tapped softly against Harry's back. "However, this will not be one of those times. You set out to deliberately break the rules. It was not a mistake."
Harry frowned at the words, tightening his hold just slightly at the words. "I've already said it won't happen again," he sighed, pulling his face away just slightly.
Snape shook his head slightly as he hugged the child a bit tighter. "Let's get this over with. We still have a bit to discuss after."
Slowly, Harry pulled away from Snape while dropping his gaze down to the floor. "Fine."
"I do not think that this will be nearly as bad as you are making it out to be." The man's hands traveled down, successfully undoing the string on the boy's pajama pants this time.
"It's all b-bad." Harry closed his eyes as his frown remained, raising his right hand to rub across his face as he took in a breath.
"You will be fine." Snape pulled the child a step closer to him before easily tipping him over his knee. "In just a moment's time this will be over."
Keeping his eyes closed, Harry gripped at the man's pant leg while his other rest against the floor. He shook his head slightly, tears burning the rim of his eyes and forcing him to blink.
Snape's hands hooked into the boy's pajama bottoms, pulling them as well as his shorts down and out of his way. His left arm wrapped around the boys middle, holding him firmly in place. ""I do not want to hear of you sneaking out again. Is that clear?"
The child's grip tightened slightly, blinking as several tears fell to the floor before closing his eyes completely. "Y-Yes."
Snape raised his hand bringing it down in a stinging smack, followed quickly by several more. "Just because it is the holidays does not mean you do as you please."
A pained yelp escaped the child as a leg kicked up, pressing his face against the chair. Harry's shoulders hitched up as he took in a breath, deciding to simply stay silent instead of answering his guardian, not that he expected the man wanted an answer.
The man's hand fell several more times, covering every inch of his target before he adjusted Harry slightly. "We will be done here in just a moment."
Harry squirmed, attempting to move away as a harsh sob shook his back. "S-stooop! I'm sorry."
Snape hardened his heart, forcing himself to land a stinging smack to each of the child's sit spots before his grip on the boy loosened. He quickly righted the boy's shorts and trousers before his hand moved to gently rub his back. "Take a deep breath," he hummed softly. "You are okay."
The child slowly pushed himself up from the man's lap, his head spinning as he rested both hands over his eyes. He shook his head as he wavered slightly, sniffing loudly before taking in a large shuddering breath. Needing no prompting, Harry moved forward to lean into Snape's chest as he curled both arms around the man tightly.
Snape hooked his hands under the child's armpits, lifting him with ease and setting him down on his knee. "Nice deep breaths. You will be just fine Harry." The man's hand moved to rub between the child's shoulder blades.
Harry hissed slightly as he was sat upon Snape's lap, moving his arms up to wrap around his guardian's neck instead. Taking in a deep breath once more, he released it slowly into the man's chest. "'m sorry."
"I know. I'm not cross." The man pressed a kiss to the boy's forehead. "You let me know when you are calm enough to finish discussing this and we shall."
"Wh-what else is there to discuss?" He released one hand from the man and rubbing at his face with the back of his hand.
"I think we need to discuss that cloak of yours." The man's tone was somber. The last thing he wanted was to take it away, however, he also did not want to deal with more misbehavior due to it either.
Dread instantly pooled in the child's stomach as he curled up slightly within Snape's lap. "What about it?" He whispered, eyes closing as a fresh batch of tears threatened to spill at any moment. He couldn't lose it after just getting it!
"I am not sure that it would be responsible of me to continue to allow you access to it." The man's tone was soft as he continued to rub the boys back.
"You can't take it away." Harry shook his head, shifting his forehead onto Snape's shoulder as the fresh tears won at the words. He rubbed his cheeks against Snape's shirt, taking in a breath.
"Harry..." Snape let out a soft sigh as his fingertips tapped the boys back. The man fell silent as he thought over the predicament.
"Snape." Harry tilted his head against Snape's shoulder, looking up to the man.
The man looked down at the child, frowning as he saw the tears. "Okay," he hummed softly, his hand moving to gently pat the boy's side. "Just calm down."
The child looked back down, resting his forehead into Snape's chest as he slowly nodded. "I don't have anything my parents had."
A soft sigh escaped the man as he reached out and gently tapped the boy's chin. "A compromise..."
"Hm?" Harry kept his head down, shifting just slightly at the tap before finally looking back up.
"You may keep it." Snape gave a small nod. "You may have one more chance. However, if you get in trouble with it again it is going to be put in my closet until you are a bit older. Understood?" The man would have liked to tell Albus exactly how stupid he had been for giving the child such a gift.
Harry gave a nod, closing his eyes as he rested his chin up on Snape's shoulder. "Okay," he breathed, tightening his hold briefly around the man.
"I am quite serious about that too. Any more trouble with that cloak and it will be some time before you see it again." The man gently tapped the boy's hip once more.
"You can't keep it away from me," Harry muttered softly, frowning at the words as he sniffed softly.
"If you use it again to sneak around this castle and go to places that you are not allowed to go I will do just that." Snape's tone went slightly stern.
"I won't." He sighed, loosening his hold slowly as he shook his head. "Swear."
Snape hummed slightly patting the boy's hip gently once more. "What are you up to today?"
Harry offered a shrug, keeping his head tucked close to Snape's neck. Really he didn't feel like doing anything right then, his mood was completely shattered with the morning.
Snape rested his chin on top of the boy's head. "Did you want to talk a bit more?"
"Not really." He nestled his head closed to the man as he felt Snape's chin upon his head. "I just don't feel like doing anything now."
Snape waved a hand causing a fire to roar to life in the fireplace. "You are welcome to stay right where you are."
A small smile graced the boy's lips, nodding as he sighed. "Thanks."
The man's hand moved to gently rub the eleven year olds back. "Did you want a blanket? Perhaps another hour or so of sleep? You were up quite late last night."
"A blanket please," Harry hummed softly, shifting his head down to Snape's chest.
Snape hummed softly as he waved a hand causing a blanket to appear. The man plucked it from the air, lying it over the child. "Are you warm enough?"
Giving a small nod, Harry sighed softly as he focused on Snape's breathing beneath his ear. "Love you."
"I love you too." Snape moved his head briefly to place a kiss on the child's forehead. A moment later, he leaned back in his chair, bringing the child with him.