Consequences
Dear lovely readers. Excuse the long wait between chapter one and two. I'm having a writers block and can't seem to figure out how to round up the chapter. English is not my native language but I'm sure you already figured that out. So please be lenient with my lack of punctuation. If there is someone who wants to beta for me please contact me.
So since I didn't want to keep you waiting I decided to just give it my best shot. It's probably not much but between, work, kids and corona all I can do right now.
Please review. I appreciate all your suggestions and corrections.
Thanks to all of you.
Stay safe
Oh and I do not own anything. Harry Potter doesn't belong to me neither do any of the characters or ideas that I'm using in my stories besides Luca of course.
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Consequences
Silently the two Slytherins made their way along the hallways towards the Professors office.
Luca dreading what was to come. He still debated how to explain himself. If he told his teacher why he broke into the storeroom, Weasley and Potter had made clear what they would do to him. Being somewhat shy, he failed to have any real friends, to help him stand up against those bullies. Just thinking about facing the golden boy and his sidekick, all by himself, made him shiver. On the other hand lying or trying to lie to Professor Snape was close to suicidal. At least if he was caught. But he wasn't to convinced he wouldn't be. So no matter what, he was on the losing side.
Before the lad could decide how to proceed they reached the corridor that led to the Slytherin common room, to the Potions masters office, to his private study and quarters. Instead of entering the office they walked past that door.
Snape cast an sideway look at his first year student. He could tell by the posture and rapid breathing how anxious and stressed the child was. No sense in questioning him in such a state. First they both needed to calm down some more.
Lucas heart was beating like a niffler dosed up on wide eye potion. When they arrived at the private rooms of the Professor they stopped.
The massive oak door looked like the other doors lining the walls of the dungeon. With an silent incantation the entrance swung open.
The older man held it open for the boy and steered him into a corner right next to the entrance. He didn't get to see the room in detail but assumed he was in his teaches private study.
"Stay there and calm yourself. Do neither move nor speak boy," ordered the Professor with an voice that broke no argument.
With his nose pressed to the cold stone wall, Luca realized that his teacher gave them both some time to think about the up coming talk they would have.
He didn't seem as furious as he had been, before he administered the first spanking, back in the corridor.
Not that it helped to stop his nervousness but maybe he wouldn't end up as potions ingredients after all.
The anxious child could tell the man left the room through an door that obviously led to the common room. Since the door was slightly ajar he could hear the buzzing of his fellow slytherins but didn't dare to turn around to see what was happening. Luca has never been to his head of house private study. Casting an curious sideway look he didn't see much besides the dungeon wall.
Time appeared to be dragging but finally after, what felt like an eternity, Professor Snape came back in.
"Mr. McLehan, if you are calm enough to elaborate today's events, please turn around and take a seat," his head of house spoke in an even voice.
The lad turned around shoulders and head hanging.
"Yes Sir," answering with an timid
His eyes never leaving the stone floor as he made his way over to the chair that stood in front of the big wooden oak desk.
"Do have the curtesy to look at me whilst speaking boy," Snape rebuked soft yet stern.
Luca looked up for the first time since turning around.
Fingers stapled in front of his face the Professor sat behind his desk. Leaning back in his seat he watched the young child sitting on the smaller straight backed chair. His dark eyes not betraying his thoughts or emotions.
As always, Snape gave a lot of thoughts on how to proceed. Planning carefully how to get the answers he was looking for.
With some students he got them through compliments and encouragement.
Others needed reassurance that what ever reason they had for missbehaving, after the matter was closed, they would be forgiven.
A lot of the children, that were sorted into Slytherin, grew up with conservative parents. Those most likely, would talk to him, if he addressed them with authority. Showing them the prospect of what to expect and a little intimidation made most of them spill.
Since he knew about the background of each of his snakes, Snape was aware that this particular boy has been raised by his uncle since the age of ten. His mother passed away giving birth to him. His father, Sir James Douglas McLehan, had been an outcast of the ancient and magical McLehan clan because he married an American muggle. Even after his wife's death he stayed abroad never making his peace with his clan. Just one year ago the boys father died as the result of an tragic accident.
His fathers oldest brother, Sir Hector Edward McLehan, the clan chief became his nephew's legal Guardian.
The clans in the Scottish highlands were honorable, virtues and loyal to the core. Children were raised to live up to those traits.
Usually clan descendants were sorted into Gryffindor, with few exceptions that joined Ravenclaw and some girls Hufflepuff.
The boy sitting in front of him, was an exception from the normally rather tall and sturdy built clan lads. Skinnier and shorter he must have had to find other ways to stand up to his cousins at the lairds castle this last year. Most likely he was cunning, resourceful and had a decent amount of self preservation.
While watching the young nervous boy, he had a faint idea of how all of this mess could have happened.
"Tell me Mr McLehan, before today's incidents in the corridor, have you been on the receiving end of an spanking?" Snape asked.
"No Sir."
"So how did your father and uncle correct your bad behavior then?"
„My father would stand me in the corner sometimes for hours and lecture me afterwards. With my uncle I got the tawse, Sir," Gulping the boy answered with embarrassment.
„How often had your uncle to disciplined you in that way?"
"Twice, Sir."
„Twice in which time frame?" Snape asked with unreadable expression.
„Since last year September, Sir."
„Were you punished in other ways also?"
„No, Sir."
Luca had went from shaking with fear to being highly embarrassed by the questioning.
He hated being forced to admit that he had been punished with the tawse. But knew he just couldn't lie to his Professor. Even if he had considered it earlier to try and cheat his way out of punishment, under those knowing eyes, he didn't dare to give an untruthful answer.
Snape didn't just ask those questions to torment the boy but to get an idea of how well behaved his student was at home. A troublemaker wouldn't just start behaving himself at school. At least not for an longer period of time. On the opposite a obedient child would not just start seeking trouble when coming to Hogwarts. Especially not blowing up his head of houses storeroom.
He knew he was onto something here. Getting punished twice in three years wasn't the trademark of an mischievous brat. Especially not to the extend of causing mayhem at the common room, breaking into his office, attempted theft and then running away after curfew.
"You are also, aware of the fact, that as a student at Hogwarts, you are held accountable for wrongdoings, in similar ways?" Snape asked.
„Yes, Sir," Luca answered, eyes fixed to the ground again.
"Eyes on me, while speaking, Mr. McLehan. Do not make me repeat myself a third time you won't like the consequences," came the soft, yet stern command of his Professor.
With an apologetic: "I'm sorry, Sir," the boys gaze went back to his head of house.
"Alright let's get to the bottom of this shall we?" Snape said grimly."
Are you responsible for the dung bombs in the common room?"
Luca worried his lip debating how to answer the question. As if reading his mind, his professor, interrupted his thoughts.
"Don't even thing about lying to me, boy! There is not much I despise more, then being lied to. I will know if you do. So I ask you again. Did you throw those dung bombs, in the common room, tonight?"
Barely able to keep his gaze trained on his teacher onyx eyes, the child gave in and admitted with a small voice to it.
"Am I correct in the assumption that the sole purpose of this act was to make sure everyone was preoccupied while you broke into my office and storeroom?" Snape questioned with an dark voice.
"Yes, Sir," came the whispered answer.
"In that progress you destroyed half of my storeroom and damaged part of the floor and shelves. Putting yourself in danger of being poisoned, hurt or killed by unknown substances that you managed to mingle together when you knocked them over.
To top things of you ran away and left your common room after your 7 p.m curfew". Listing all the boys transgressions Snapes voice grew more and more irritated.
Not that that meant that he needed to raise his voice. He rarely did anyway.
Hearing his wrongdoings out of his professors mouth the boy felt tears forming in his eyes.
Not that it would help any but he tried anyway.
"I'm really sorry Professor Snape," Luca whispered in a small voice. The first tear trailing down his check.
"No, I don't think you are nearly remorse full enough, Mr. McLehan. But after we are done you will be very sorry indeed."
Luca swept at his face with his hand and tried to get his emotions back under control. How stupid to start crying before he even got punished. He just couldn't help it, he hated the fact that he couldn't stand up to those idiotic lions and getting into trouble for it too.
After taking a few calming breaths, Snape asked in an controlled voice:„ So why did you do it, lad?"
„ I can't tell you, Sir." Luca swallowed hard. Knowing that he was trapped. Either getting knocked around by Potter and Weasley or being punished by his Professor for not explaining himself.
„You can not or you do not want to?"
„I really can't, Sir!"
"There are two things you should know about me Mr McLehan. First I am not a man of infinite patience and second I always get the answers I am looking for.
So this is your last chance to tell me, why you acted so completely unacceptable today. If you still refuse to give me an satisfactory answer I will punish you for not revealing your motives in addition to all the other misdeeds. Let me assure you, you do not want that to happen as you, will be a very repentant child when I am through with you anyway!"
Nervs fluttering at the prospect of more sanctions on top of the punishment he would be receiving, the young wizard felt cornered and gave up. He was doomed anyway.
"Okey okey I'll tell you, Sir," Luca said.
His breath hitching in his throat trying to calm himself by breathing in deeply. Maybe he could keep the names of his tormentors out of this to and he wouldn't get bullied for getting them in trouble.
Snape relaxed slightly, hoping his student would give him the truth. He didn't want to follow through with his promise. Not that he wouldn't do it if the boy decided to lie or stay silent, after all. He disliked dealing out overly harsh punishments but he never made empty threats.
His snakes knew of course that he stood to his word and that he was indeed strict but fair. Always giving his young charges the chance to explain themselves. Having experienced to many unjust beatings in his childhood, administered by his father. He always gave the benefits of the doubt first and then handed out whatever justified sentence.
His reputation with the other houses was completely different so. The common belief was, that he enjoyed dealing out corporal punishment. Truth to be told, he rarely used that kind of consequences with the other houses but rather took points or gave detentions. Only for dangerous or repeated transgressions would he gift an unruly student with an trip over his knee or his desk. He didn't feel like he had the obligation to curb in the other students. This responsibility lay mainly with the other heads of houses.
Of course most of them were more lenient with their charges. Sometimes ignoring misdeeds directed at his house completely. Those were occasions he would indeed sanction students himself.
Since he held his house to a much higher standard, he went harder on his snakes if they messed up. They were aware of what behavior he expected and knew the rules. In contrast to that he protected his snakes fiercely against the other houses and sometimes professors too.
"Alright Mr McLehan do explain yourself please," Professor Snape said.
Watching the child closely. No lie or half truth would escape him if he payed enough attention to facial expressions and body language.
After all, he had been a master of concealment, ever since he had joined the dark lord all those years ago. Reading the emotions of a child or youth wasn't that difficult for him.
"Three days ago, I got cornered by two other students in the lavatory after transfiguration.
They pushed me around a bit and emptied my bag into one of the sinks. I couldn't really stop them since one of them held me in a headlock and I could barely breath.
The other one started to open the tap and the water soaked all of my books, parchments and quilts. After that they told me if I wouldn't do them a favor that little bit of "fooling around" in the lavatory was nothing compared to what I could be expecting. The worst threat was that they would hex of my cloth, break my wand and leave me naked to make my way back to all of my little deatheater friends.
If I knew what was good for me I would steal some veritasserum by Saturday. I was not to tell anybody or they would make my life a living hell."
Luca closed his explanation. Still being on edge not knowing if the man would accept it or not.
Professor Snape regarded his student with an thoughtful expression. He believed what the boy had told him. Unfortunately for the lad was that it didn't escape him that the boy left out the names of the two bullies.
Luca breathed deeply not daring to look at the man in front of him.
„So did it occur to you to come find a teacher or prefect or an older student of your house right after the incident?"
„It did Sir. But I didn't think anyone would belief me or would be able to protect me if they did!"
„What gave you the impression that such behavior would be tolerated at Hogwarts?"Snape asked with slightly raised eyebrows.
Luca was shocked to discover he couldn't answer that question without revealing the names he tried so desperately to hide.
Worrying his lips again. He stayed silent for to long. Looking at his hands again.
Overseeing the fact that his student wasn't able to look him in the eyes while they spoke. The Professor was more interested in reading his charge like a open book. Knowing he would be able to proof his earlier suspicion, soon.
"Could it be, that at least one of the bullies has a certain reputation within the wizarding world that makes you believe he is untouchable?"
Surprise in his face the boys face shoot up.
"How…?" With an almost audible snap the student closed his mouth.
"How I know who you are referring to?" Snape asked.
"I have been a teacher for quite some time Mr Mc Lehan. I am quite experienced in figuring out who are bullies or troublemakers," he said with a smirk.
"But I do need to hear the names of those students from you, lad."
Luca still anxious and afraid wasn't to convinced he should tell his head of house. He knew there would be payday with his tormentors if he did.
The boys thoughts obviously showing on his face, the Professor said, "Do have some faith child. Faith in your housemates to stand at your side. As well as faith in me as your head of house to sort things out and protect you."
A glimpse of hope formed as he heard the sincerity in his teachers voice.
He squared his shoulders and confessed with almost no waver in his voice: "It was Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, Sir."
"Good boy," Snape praised him.
Being a little smug about the fact that his suspension proved to be right from the start. That blasted spawn of James Potter stepped right up to his fathers inheritance of bullying. But he would stop that right here and then. He would not let that boy torment one of his snakes or any other student at this school.
He also realized how difficult that had been for his little snake. Putting trust in him and his fellow Slytherins. Which had the teacher pin pointed on another problem. Either the boy had issues in trusting others from the start or his charges didn't make an great display in unity. Otherwise the kid would have confide in one of his classmates instead of causing all that trouble.
"I will make sure that Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley will be held accountable for there actions. As well as making sure they keep away from you and your classmates."
"Which leads me to another question Mr McLehan. Who is the student you are closest with, in your house"? The Professor asked.
Again the child looked rather surprised by the inquiry. Obviously trying to figure out what the potions master wanted with the information he took some time to answer.
"Well, it is not such an hard question is it?"
"No, Sir it isn't. But I guess there isn't one in particular," came the answer from the lad.
That's what the older wizard had guessed. There would be a serious word to have with his prefects and the other students of his house. But first he had to deal with the boy in front of him.
"Since your confession was acceptable, I will abstain from punishing you for trying to keep it from me earlier.
I do understand how you ended up in that particular situation. As well as seeing how you came to the conclusion that you couldn't report Potter and Weasley.
Nevertheless you showed bad judgement in your decisions. You should have understood that trying to handle a problem like that on your own could only end in a disaster. Talking to a teacher or superior would have saved you from all that trouble, Mr McLehan," Snape stated with a stern voice.
"I know, Sir," Luca said being back to anxiousness and fear. His eyes trying to stay trained on his head of house.
"Do you really now?" The black eyes of his teacher fixing the already tearing one of the younger wizards.
"I must confess I'm rather disappointed in you. A bright and normally well behaved child like yourself acting so thoughtless. You are not a Gryffindor! Rushing into action and endangering yourself before using that brain of yours. You could have ended up badly injured or worse dead. I expect better of you. You will have to work hard to regain my trust in your ability to make good choices!" Professor Snape let his dismay show in his voice.
The true words of his Professor, were enough to sent the tears spilling down the boys check. Head bowed the small boy tried to wipe them away with the back of his hand.
"Refraining from expelling you, I'm going to make sure such an completely unacceptable behavior won't happen ever again. Your discipline will be quite serve.
Hopefully it will remind you the next time to think before you act. I can't emphasize enough how serious this matter is.
For running away after curfew you are confined to your dormitory with an early bed time at eight o'clock, for the next two weeks. Classes, meals and detentions are the only exceptions to this restriction. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir."
"The dungbomb incident earned you detention for one week, starting tomorrow after lunch.
Finally I'm going to administer three spankings for the breaking into my office, trying to steal veritasserum and the damage you caused in the progress.
The first you will receive now. Over my knee, bare, with my hand and six with the ruler. The second and third you will be receiving in the same fashion on Monday and Thursday before bed.
I also will be informing your uncle about the whole affair.
Once more, I need to emphasize that you can count yourself quite fortunate, to walk away unharmed from the danger you put yourself in, today.
Is there anything else you would like to add, lad?" The Professor asked in a slightly softer demeanor.
"No, Sir," Luca whispered with shaking voice.
After his head of house announced the consequences Luca would face. The boy struggled to get his composure back under control. At least he wouldn't be expelled. Tears still leaking out of his eyes.
But he feared the spankings. Professor Snape already spanked him back in the corridor merely an hour or so ago. Truth to be told so, there wasn't any discomfort left from it besides a little tenderness to his skin.
At home Mostly his cousins would face corporal punishment there was rarely a week were the taws was not used. After all, especially the boys were a wild bunch full of mischief and brawling. He tried to avoid the fighting and pranks most of the time and kept to himself a lot. So the confinement to his dorm didn't bother him to much either. What weight down on him much heavier was the fact that he let down his head of house and his family too.
Snape knew he was coming down hard on the boy. He didn't like being so strict with a sensitive child like the one in front of him. But besides the curfew break and throwing dungbombs, each offense on its own, could have meant expulsion from Hogwarts. He didn't want to do that but then the punishment had to fit the crime somewhat. In addition he really wanted to make sure the boy knew how dangerous his behavior had been and how close he came to being expelled before his education really got started.
"Let's get this over with, then". With those words Snape stood. Moving from behind his desk to the left. Unclasping his teaching robes and hanging them neatly over his backrest. Undoing the buttons on his right sleeve and finally rolling it up. Exposing a slim but muscular forearm.
Swallowing hard the boy stared, with scared eyes, at the simple but sign telling act of preparation.
With one movement of his wand the professor conjured an armless chair. He took hold of it and placed it in the center of the office.
Sitting down he ordered ," Mr. McLehan, remove your robes please".
With shaking fingers the boy stood and fumbled with the clasp. When he finally managed to undo it he placed them on his now vacant chair. Feeling his heart drumming in his chest. He took a deep breath and turned around.
"To me," Professor Snape beckoned him with his index finger to stand in front of him.
Nervously, Luca tried hard to get his legs to move towards the spot his Professor has order him to. It felt like a huge effort to set one foot in front of the other.
Not daring to look his head of house in the face he stopped before him. Head bowed eyes downcast Lucas head was racing. Most prominent so was the thought how stupid you had to be to get spanked twice in one day by the strictest Professor at Hogwarts.
Losing not much time his teacher quietly ordered him," Undo your trousers and pull them down".
Complying the boy did as he was told.
Snape took hold of the child's hand and pulled him over his lap.
Luca was momentarily surprised by the gentleness of the man's grip. He had imagined a much rougher, almost painful hold on his wrist.
Snape positioned the small child on his lap. Moving him forward so the backside was a good target. His left arm wrapped securely around the thin waist.
Being so small Luca could barely reach the floor with his hands to balance him. So he instinctively took hold of his professors pants leg.
Feeling a sudden chill on his behind the boy realized that his teacher had bared his bottom. Pulling his briefs down to his knees. Before any thought of embarrassment could come to mind the first sharp SMACK landed on his behind.
When the pain registered Luca squeezed his eyes shut and tried to stop any sound. His Professor let lose a series of smacks which shattered the resolve of stoic endurance to pieces.
SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK
Snape didn't utter a word while administering the well earned discipline. He was certain everything that needed to be told had been said.
The boys bottom quickly changed from pale to pink. Covering every area of the small behind nevertheless holding back with his spanks not wanting to leave bruises.
He listened carefully as the boys breath hitch and the first small cries of distress could be heard.
SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK.
After those spanks the tears came and the child started to cry . For the man the sign to elevate the now bright red backside some more by lifting his right leg slightly. The next blows came down on the sit spot smartly.
SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK
Making the first year squeak, reaching back to cover his bottom.
"Mr. McLehan, you do not get to reach back."
Each Word punctuated with a stinging blow to the upper tights. The boy snatched back his hand quickly. Sobbing loudly.
"Please, Sir. I'm sorry. Please Stop, Sir."
Luca's begging did nothing to stop his Professor.
Snape could tell that the lad was almost at breaking point. Time to finish this up.
"Accio ruler".
With that incantation the implement flew through the air and landed nicely in his waiting hand.
Luca pleaded between sobs.
"Please don't Sir. I'll be good. I promise".
Hatting to apply the ruler to the boy's behind knowing he was repentant already. Snape steeled himself. He needed to drive the lesson home and ensure that such an stupid and extremely dangerous act would not be repeated by the child.
Bringing the ruler down smartly on the very top of the boys buttocks, with an loud SMACK, he felt the boy tens and let out another sob. Not wanting to stretch it out any longer, the Professor raised his right arm and the second SMACK fell right below the first. In rapid order SMACK three hit his target right above where tights met bottom.
Each punishing stroke followed by an loud sob.
Number forth left out the area of the sit spots coming down on the boys upper tights.
At this the boy went limp and lay crying and sobbing over his Professors lap. All tension gone from the young one.
To conclude the spanking. He raised the wooden ruler again to let it fall smartly right on the tender sit spots twice. The two audible loud SMACKs echoing from the walls.
With that the men sent the ruler back
Luca laying motionless over his teachers hard tights. Still sobbing he was completely drained and exhausted. His behind throbbing so much he wasn't able to stop the tears running down his face.
Not wanting to embarrass his student, Snape took hold of the underpants and pulled them carefully over the boys, well punished, behind. Then picking the small child up with ease and putting him in a sitting position on his lap. Making sure the most painful areas didn't make contact with his tights. Still, fresh tears welled up at this. His head pressed against his teachers chest Luca cried into his head of house robes.
Running circles on the small back Professor Snape tried to get the boy to calm down. Soothingly he murmured to the child," It is ok. You took that really well, lad".
One could think, having a crying student sitting on his lap soaking his robes with tears and snot, would irritate the dark potions master to now end.
Not that he really enjoyed it but he felt it was part of the whole process to offer comfort to students that needed and wanted it, after disciplining them. Usually the younger once required reassurance afterwards, more often then not. The older the children got, the more they were embarrassed and tried to compose themselves more quickly. Not all of them so. There still were quite a few teens that still liked and needed to be held afterwards.
Not that anyone of the students would ever admit to that anyway.
Snape smirked at the thought. No one would ever confess that they had been disciplined, comforted and held by the evil potions master and bat of the dungeons. Which served him quite well in regard of his reputation as the feared and strict disciplinarian.
He didn't mind so. During his own childhood and youth he got a lot of beatings. His father could get right out abusive. Hitting him in a fit of anger. Sometimes, beaten to the point were he was covered in bruises and welts. He never received any kind of comfort or sympathy. Always, left to pick himself up after he was able to move in agony.
His past also showed him to never ever punish a student when not completely sure he had control of his emotions and temper. Back in the corridor earlier today he was livid but he kept a tide reign on his anger. The spanking he delivered there wasn't really much more then to get the boys attention.
Nevertheless the feeling of loneliness and hurt he had experience, at his fathers hand, he would never want that for a child in his care. Not even for his despised enemy's son, the Potter brat.
He wanted to teach a lesson but not mentally harm.
With Mr. McLehan he was hopeful he had achieved that goal for now. Even when there was still the matter of the following spankings. Snape knew it seemed unnecessarily brutal to discipline the child again for his transgressions and not call it quit.
His intention so was, to leave such an great impression, that his student would think twice before getting into such an dangerous situation in the future.
While he had left the boy in the corner, of his private study, to calm himself, he went back to his office. He had warded it off in a hurry before he went after Mr McLehan.
Coming back the Professor assest the damage, that has been done, more closely. Several ingredients and potions were destroyed. It was pure luck that the boy had not been harmed. When several of the different ingredients got mixed, when knocked down, they developed an toxic fume. He was able to contain it within his office when he warded it.
Right when he found the boy hiding in the corridor he cast an quick health assessment spell. Finding the child unharmed.
After clarifying of what was destroyed he registered that most of the damage was rather quick to replace. Only the Egyptian desert lizard skin powder he would have to order with international priority owl. This was an needed ingredient for one of his self invented potions. Not wanting to think about the enslavement potion he had been forced to work on for the dark lord, before the boy who lived brought him down.
His focus came back to the present.
The boy had somewhat calmed down. The tears had stopped and the hitched breathing had evened out.
After all the tension of the previous days was gone Luca was just exhausted and really tiered. It seemed like that the spanking had swept out all of the stress. He still felt terrible about the whole incident and that he messed up so horrible. What still bothered him that he seemingly had lost his Professors trust. He didn't know why he cared so much about being in the good books with him. Probably because he rather liked to please people then cause trouble.
Right now he couldn't do anything to improve that anyway.
So he relaxed some more into the embrace of his teacher.
Snape looked down at the boy. Realizing that the child, obviously drained, was about to fall asleep.
Wouldn't that be a sight to be seen. The bastard Slytherin carrying a sleeping first year into his dormitory and tugging him in. Not something he particular wanted to do.
"Ok boy time to get up," Professor Snape told Luca in an mild voice.
"Yes, Sir" Luca whispered tiredly.
When the boy was standing in front of him Snape put his hands on the boys shoulders to make sure the child was steady on his feet. Looking him over he gave a reassuring squeeze to his students shoulder.
Then let go and ordered him to get dressed.
Luca pulled up his trousers grimacing when the rough material slid over his bum.
Still sniveling he put on his robes.
Meanwhile his professor put the chair against the wall behind his desk.
Taking out a fabric handkerchief from his desk he handed it the, still sniveling, boy.
Giving his student a couple of minutes to clean his nose and whip his face.
The Slytherin head of house addressed the boy in a calming voice. "Are you ready to head to your dormitory?"
Taking a nervous breath the boy looked at his Professor and answered with a small voice. "Yes, Sir."
Snape regarded the boy closely. His armes folded over his chest leaning against the front of his desk.
He knew that the young child must be somewhat nervous about facing his housemates. But that was something that was part of recovering from the whole affair. After he had had a word with his prefects and the first year students, he was sure his little snakes would take better care of their fellow student, in the future.
But for now he needed to reassure the lad. „Eyes up Mr. McLehan." Snape ordered softly.
Luca looked up into his teachers black serious eyes.
"Do not fret about facing your housemates. You are rarely the first student that received discipline at my hand. And neither will you be the last. There is seldom a Slytherin student that goes through his or her time at Hogwarts without earning themself some sort of reprimand during that time. So do not worry yourself. You took your first part of your punishment as good as expected. And when we took care of the rest you have a clean slate. So there is no need to be so downcast. You might not be Gryffindor with their dimwitted bravery but that doesn't mean you can't have courage in a more controlled and level headed way. Understood?"
„Yes, Sir and thank you Professor."
„ What are you thanking me for, lad?"
„For not expelling me, Sir. I'm really sorry, Sir," the boy said quietly.
„Even so there is still the issue with your following discipline," I do believe you and therefore accept your apology. For now, I do believe it is high time for you to retire. Straight to bed with you Mr. McLehan."
With those words Luca's head of house stood and opened the door to the Slytherin common room for the boy walk through.
"Yes, Sir. Good night Professor Snape."
"Goodnight, child".
With that the the boy made his way through the common room. Not looking at his fellow housemates. Who didn't dare to do more then study the first year with curious eyes.
The strict potions master waited until the small boy entered the stairs that led to the dormitories before he called out to the room „, Prefects, Headboy and Headgirl. My office in 10 Minutes, sharp".
Turning around the Professor vanished with billowing robes in his study. Letting the door close with an loud bang just to emphasize what the summoned students had to expect in regard to his mood.
TBC….
So thats it. Please review. That might motivate me to keep going. I'm toying with the idea to start another story before continuing this one. But maybe I can be persuade to postpone it.
Thank you for reading