Enjoy! I will try and get the next chapter up soon.
Harry slid into his seat, giving his guardian a small grin as the man stood in front of the classroom. The teenager was pleased to see that despite the fact that his potions class was starting in a minute, Umbridge was nowhere to be seen. He felt his body relax as he pulled his book out of his knapsack along with a sheet of parchment and a quill.
"We are going to start this year off with a quick review of what you learned last year and should have no trouble remembering." Snape paused as his eyes roamed his students. "Who is able to tell me an ingredient used in the Wit- Sharpening potion?"
Harry raised his hand seconds after Hermione did.
"Mr. Longbottom?" Snape's eyes settled on the boy.
Harry slowly lowered his hand as he frowned at his guardian. Neville hadn't raised his hand and Harry hated when Snape singled him out.
"Cut...cut ginger root Sir," Nevilled replied nervously.
Snape gave a small nod of approval as his classroom door opened and Dolores Umbridge stepped inside. "Severus," she said in a sickly sweet tone. "I do hope you received my note making you aware that I would be observing your classroom this morning."
"I did not," Snape replied. "However, that is fine. Please make yourself comfortable. I was just quickly reviewing what was learned last year."
Harry's eyes never once left his guardian as the man spoke. He was positive that he hadn't been wrong now, she was following his schedule.
Harry knew that his guardian sounded normal. He was sure that no one else had picked up the underlying annoyance that had laced the man's tone.
Snape cleared his throat loudly, calling the attention of his class. "Mr. Finnegan can you list-"
"Ahem."
Snape raised an eyebrow as he looked back at the woman. "Yes?"
"I just have a few questions."
Harry heard and saw his classmates turn to look at her, however, he kept his eyes on Snape. He was determined not to draw any attention to himself. The very last thing he wanted was to make his guardian cross for any reason.
Snape gave the woman an expectant look, trying his hardest to swallow his annoyance.
"Your first area of interest was in the Dark Arts? Is that fair to say?"
Harry felt his blood run cold at the question as he watched his guardian carefully. He silently swore to himself that if she brought up Snape's involvement with the Death Eaters he would tell her off. He didn't care if Snape belted him for it.
"Yes."
"However you were unsuccessful in securing such a position here at Hogwarts?"
Harry hated everything about her sickly sweet tone. He wanted to tell her to sod right the hell off, still, he kept his eyes on his guardian.
"Obviously," Snape replied curtly, his eyes never once moving from the woman.
The room was silent for a long moment aside from the scratching of Umbridge's quill.
"If that is all I would like to continue teaching my class," the man spoke in a grave tone.
"Yes Severus, that is all."
Harry let out a low breath at her words. He knew what she had done. She had tried her best to bring up Snape's involvement with the dark side without actually spelling it out and he hated it. He hated her. He was already dreading his first detention with her, despite it being hours away. He promised himself that no matter what it took, he wasn't going to land detention with her again.
Harry took in a shuddering breath as he looked down to the words on his hand. They were burning slightly but he was thankful that they didn't hurt as bad as they had when they were being carved in.
His mind wandered to his guardian for a moment before he was able to push the man out of his thoughts. He couldn't tell Snape about this. The man had been cross that he had gotten detention with her in the first place, he was sure that his guardian would be furious if he knew about this and that was the last thing Harry wanted.
Umbridge was up to no good and Harry didn't want Snape going mental about her. The very last thing he wanted was for his guardian to cause a scene and get himself into any trouble. Harry also could not shake the fear that Snape would go as far as to pull him out of Hogwarts again.
No, his guardian could not know.
He was sure it would be fine. In a week or so the words would fade and then vanish completely, he could hide it for that long. He could easily hide it for that long.
The weather was beginning to cool a bit, he would just wear sweaters and hide his hand within the sleeve. It wasn't ideal but it would work for a week or so.
He moved over to his trunk and pulled out a long sweater, pulling it over his head a moment later.
He was thankful that Ron and Hermione were still at the library and that his dormitory was mostly empty, the fewer people that knew the better.
Harry glanced at the clock noting that there was still thirty minutes until curfew. He had plenty of time to go find his friends.
He was about to head out of his dormitory when Minka appeared.
"Master Harry." She bowed deeply.
"Just, Harry," he forced a small smile. "What is it Minka?"
"Master Snape wishes to see you immediately, he sent Minka to fetch you."
"Snape?" Harry frowned at the information. He quickly thought over the day in an attempt to decipher whether he had done anything wrong, however, thankfully he came up short. "Is he cross?"
Minka shook her head at the words. "Master Snape is not cross, Master Snape looks sad or disappointed."
Harry's frown deepened at the words. That wasn't any better! "Okay, I'll go down there now. Thanks, Minka."
Snape sat in his armchair, a tumbler of firewhiskey on the table beside him. He had sent Minka to fetch Harry.
Remus was currently cleaning out his own quarters. Thankfully, he had agreed to stay in the dungeons for the next few weeks. Snape did not like the thought of the man going home to be alone.
He picked up the tumbler, taking a long sip, as he glanced up at the clock on the mantel. He was hopeful that Harry would arrive before Remus. He wanted to make sure that the teenager was aware of what had happened before Remus and his things were in their guest room, as well as before anyone else in the castle knew.
The man let out a low sigh at the idea of the conversation that he was about to have with his child. He would have bet the contents of his safe in Gringotts that Harry was not going to take it well at all.
A moment later the door to the parlor opened and the teenager slipped inside, closing it behind himself.
"Harry." Snape set his tumblr back down. "I see you got my note." The man waved a hand. "Come sit."
"I swear I haven't done anything... have I?" He asked , moving over to the couch and slowly sitting with a frown to the man.
"If you have, you certainly have my attention." The man raised an eyebrow. "Is there something that you wish to tell me?"
"No." Harry shook his head, frowning as he curled his legs onto the couch.
"I wanted to talk to you about something." The man's hand moved, his thumb running along the rim of the tumbler. "Something that you are not going to be happy about."
"...Okay?" He looked over to his guardian, frowning at the man's actions. Even Snape seemed bothered. "About?"
A soft sigh escaped Snape before he swallowed heavily. There was no easy way to tell Harry this and he hardly wanted to draw it out. "Remus has been let go from his position at Hogwarts. Effective immediately, Umbridge will be taking over teaching defense against the dark arts."
Harry felt his breath catch, staring at Snape in nothing but disbelief. He couldn't have heard that correctly. There was absolutely no way he heard Snape correctly. "What?" He pressed softly, eyes remaining on the man.
"I hope that you don't mind but I have asked Remus to stay down here for a few weeks. He was quite upset and I did not want him to go home alone." The man picked up his tumbler once more, taking another drink.
The teenager could only shake his head, his mind attempting to catch up. "You said he was let go? He was sacked? Why?" His tone started to rise slowly, as he took in a deep breath.
Snape nodded as he set the glass back down. "He was let go because of his condition. She decided that it was in the best interest of the students." There was no denying the anger in Snape's voice.
"He's been our best professor!" Harry glowered at the words. "She's bloody mental!"
"You will not hear me disagree." Snape shook his head firmly. "This whole situation is ridiculous."
"And she is going to be our professor? Is she even qualified? Dumbledore can't just let this happen! He's the headmaster." Harry swallowed as he stood, rubbing his left arm with his hand idly. He couldn't just sit still.
"Unfortunately at this point it appears that she overrules Professor Dumbledore when it comes to who is among the staff." Snape sighed loudly. "It is absurd."
"How? That's not fair!" He kicked at the couch lightly before collapsing back into it.
"Life is unfortunately not always fair Harry." The man frowned at his own words. "This also means that you are going to need to be exceptionally well behaved in her class."
"Remus didn't do a damn thing wrong." It was going to be hard enough with the woman in the school, that much had been apparent after getting detention with her. "I don't know if I can handle her as a teacher, Snape."
Snape refrained from commenting on the boy's choice of words and instead concentrated on what he had said. "I know." He sighed softly. "I do not agree with or support this decision at all."
"Where is he?" Harry questioned before taking in a deep breath.
"He is packing his quarters at the moment. He will be down when he is done." Snape eyed the teenager carefully. "He is quite upset about all of this."
"She's vile," he muttered under his breath, folding his arms over the arm of the couch. "She shouldn't be able to do that."
"You are right, she should not be able to." Snape waved a hand, calling his child over to him. "Unfortunately, however, it is already done."
Slowly, Harry pushed himself up with a sigh. He moved over to the man, shoulders slouching as he stopped just a step away.
"Calm down." Snape reached out, taking a gentle hold on Harry's hand and carefully pulling him onto his lap. "Remus will be down here soon and he is upset enough without you adding to it."
"I'm calm...I am. Just furious at her," he grumbled, resting his head down on the man's shoulder. He quickly and carefully pulled his sweater sleeve down over the words on his hand.
Snape's hand rested on the child's knee. "I am not too fond of her myself at the moment."
Despite how he knew he was too old, or at the very least getting too big for such a thing, Harry wrapped an arm tightly around Snape's neck as he closed his eyes. "The Ministry needs to fuck off..."
"Language!" Snape's fingertips tapped the boy's knee firmly. "You know better than to speak like that. You are allowed to be frustrated, however, use your words."
Harry cringed at the tone, releasing a slow breath. "Sorry...slipped out," he muttered, ears burning just slightly as he stared down to his knees. "But it's true. You know it is."
"Whether or not it is true is not the issue. There are better ways to say it." Snape looked down at the teenager. "As I said, you know better."
"Sorry," he repeated softly, releasing his hold just slightly. "They need to leave then."
"Again, you will not find me disagreeing with you. I also wish that things would get back to normal at Hogwarts." The man allowed his tone to soften once more. "I am hopeful that they will soon."
"I hope." The teenager shifted his legs slightly, stretching out slightly to a more comfortable position. "Remus has been the best professor."
"I know." The man leaned back slightly in his chair. "You have always quite enjoyed his class."
"Well yeah. Now she'll be teaching?" He gave the man a look as he rested his head back down. "I'd rather a troll teach us."
"Perhaps it won't be as bad as you are imagining?" Snape's fingertips tapped the boy's knee softly. "It is only one class."
"Yeah." Harry shrugged, his frown returning as he watched the man tap his knee. "Poor Remus though."
"It is not fair to Remus at all," Snape agreed softly. "I am sure that he will be okay though. Unfortunately he has become used to people treating him in such a way."
Harry shook his head slowly, taking in a deep breath. "That's not fair for him...at all."
"No it is not," Snape agreed with a sigh. "As I said, as long as you don't mind, he will be staying with us for a few weeks."
"I don't care how long he stays." He gave a small grin, leaning back slightly to look up at his guardian. "I don't mind at all."
"I did not imagine that you would." Snape's fingertips tapped the boy's knee once more. "He will, of course, be in the guest room."
"It'll be weird not having him as a professor though. I mean. I guess not really that different." Harry shrugged a shoulder.
"At least he will still be here." Snape hummed softly. "You will still see him daily."
The floo roared to life just a moment later, Remus stepping into the parlor looking exhausted as he placed down two bags. Harry stood away from Snape carefully, giving a small grin as Remus looked to the pair. The man returned the smile, extending an arm as Harry moved over to him and wrapped his arms tightly around the man's middle.
Remus hummed softly at the action, curling an arm tightly around the child. "She's a witch," Harry muttered against the man, causing him to smile softly.
"She is at that," Remus replied.
Snape sat up straight in his chair as Harry stood. "Can I interest you in some firewhiskey?" He eyed his friend carefully.
"Please." Remus breathed, releasing the teenager and gently patting Harry's back. His smile faded as he guided the boy over to the couch, allowing Harry to sit before sitting next to him.
Snape leaned forward, tapping the table and causing a tumbler to appear.
"Thank you," Remus spoke in a grateful tone, picking up the glass and taking a sip, sighing as the drink burned down his throat. "I apologize for this."
Harry frowned at the sad tone the man's voice had, leaning into Remus' side with a glare down to his legs. None of this was fair.
"You have no reason to apologize." Snape shook his head. "You have done absolutely nothing wrong."
Taking another large swallow of the whiskey before resting the glass upon his knee, Remus gave a faint nod. His free arm wrapped around Harry as the teenager shifted an arm around his middle.
"I hope you don't mind this arrangement for now?" Remus spoke softly to the teenager, looking down to the boy who looked right back up. "Course I don't." Harry shook his head before resting it down against Remus' shoulder.
"I told you he would be pleased about it." Snape picked up his tumbler taking a long drink before setting it back down. "Neither of us want to see you go."
"I'm glad to hear it," Remus hummed softly, his thumb idly rubbing along the teenager's arm.
Harry felt his shoulders drop at the man's tone, looking over to Snape with a sad expression himself.
"I have no doubt that eventually this will all work out and she will be gone." Snape gave a confident nod. "Albus will not allow this to continue."
"Then you can come back and teach defense again." Harry sat up, leaning back into the couch as Remus released his hold from around him.
"As much as that would be welcomed, once word is out about my condition, parents will owl immediately." The man shook his head, tapping his fingers idly against the glass as Harry spoke.
"But Dumbledore..."
"Professor Dumbledore has risked enough for my sake already," Remus replied, clearing his throat before he took another small swallow.
Snape sighed softly, suddenly realizing how right Remus was. "Remus is unfortunately correct, Harry. His days of teaching are likely over no matter how absurd the reasoning is."
"But..." Harry blinked, looking between the two before frowning at Remus. Still, the man had kept his eyes on his glass. The teenager frowned, slouching slightly as he looked down to his knees. "You've been our best defense professor you know."
A hand rested on the small of his back and Harry looked up to see Remus giving a smile. "I don't believe you've had many to compare to, hm?" Harry grinned softly, shrugging a shoulder.
"Sadly Harry, his teaching skills are not what will be judged. You are seeing first hand how horrible prejudice is and how easily it can destroy things...as well as people." Snape swallowed hard, his eyes moving from his child to Remus. He was sure he had never seen the man so sullen.
Remus took in a breath, leaning and pressing a kiss to the top of the teenager's head. "I believe I may turn in slightly early tonight." He gave Harry a sad smile as he once more tapped the boy's back, glancing to where he had left his bags and noting they were gone.
No doubt the work of Minka.
Harry watched sadly as Remus stood and placed the tumbler down on the table, tapping it once and causing it to disappear.
"Sleep well and if you need anything at all do not hesitate to ask." Snape frowned slightly as he watched the man start towards the hallway.
"Night Remus." Harry turned slightly as he watched the man walk by, resting his cheek against the back of the couch slightly.
"Good night to you both," Remus hummed softly before disappearing down the hall.
Harry slouched, looking over to Snape with a glare. "I hate her."
"An emotion that you are more than allowed to feel. I am not fond of her myself." The man sighed softly picking up his tumbler once more. "You will, however, behave in her class."
"Wish I didn't even have to go to defense now," he muttered, crossing his arms across his middle.
"Unfortunately that is not an option. You will go and you will behave." Snape took a long swallow of his drink before setting it back down.
"I'll do my best." Harry sighed, resting his elbow on the arm of the couch and resting his chin onto his hand.
"Thank you." Snape nodded. "Are you staying down here tonight or going back up to your dormitory?"
The teenager swallowed, glancing towards the fireplace. On one hand, he wanted to stay down there to be able to talk to Remus in the morning. But he couldn't exactly wait to tell Ron and Hermione on what happened either. Aside from that, the last thing he wanted was his guardian to notice his hand. "Up to the dormitory."
"If you are not planning on leaving in the next ten minutes than you are going to use the floo. You cannot be in the halls after curfew." Snape glanced towards the clock on the mantel as he spoke.
"I'll leave now. I'll come down for breakfast?" Harry stood, stretching out slightly as he did so.
"That will be fine." Snape gave a nod. "Straight to your dormitory please and sleep well, Harry."
Harry moved over, leaning and wrapping an arm around his guardian's neck in a partial hug. "Night."
The man raised his arms, wrapping them tightly around the teenager for a long moment before he let go. "Goodnight, Harry."
Pulling away, he gave a sad smile to Snape before stepping away and exiting the quarters. Dread squirmed within his stomach as he made his way up the stairs. He couldn't imagine what the woman had planned now, but he knew no one would be happy about it.
Harry shifted on the far end of the couch, his potions book open across his lap. While Snape never had them actually brew the potions within the book, that did not mean it couldn't be used for research regarding the ingredients needed and he knew far better than to ask his guardian for the answers. Snape would review it before it was handed in but he only ever commented on spelling and grammar, he never gave his child the answers or even commented on whether something was right or wrong.
He grimaced as he rubbed his left hand idly against his knee. The area where those dreaded words were engraved burned and itched as the words healed over. He hated it.
It had been four days since his first detention and every detention since she had forced him to rewrite the words into his hand once more. Thankfully, Snape and Remus accepted his reasoning of wearing a sweater despite how cozy Snape's quarters were.
Remus sat near the child, his left leg rested over his right as a book rested across his leg. He spared a glance up as the child rubbed his hand against his knee, frowning as his eyes caught glimpse of the irritated skin.
Harry sighed softly after a moment, stretching out his right arm before resting his quill down. He scratched roughly at the words across the back of his left hand, forgetting where he was for all of a moment.
Remus slowly marked his spot within the book, closing it and shifting it to the arm of the couch as he watched Harry scratch at his hand once more. His eyes remained settled on the vivid red skin, scooting closer.
"Harry." Concern laced his tone as he reached out, causing the teenager to tuck his hand at his side. He looked over to the man, blinking.
"Let me see." The concern hadn't left the man's tone as he held a hand out, indicating towards the boy's left hand.
"See what?" Harry frowned, looking back to his textbook.
"You've been scratching at your hand for nearly five minutes." Without letting the child decide, Remus took hold of Harry's wrist and pulled the sleeve of the school jumper up to expose the hand fully.
"Harry!" Remus hissed, pulling through hand closer to himself while reading over the bright red words. Still clearly fresh.
"Stop." Harry tried to pull his hand back, causing the hold to tighten a great deal.
"What is wrong with your hand?" Snape looked up from the papers he had been grading from his spot in his armchair. He quickly moved the papers to the table beside him as he stood and moved towards the pair of them. "Why does it look so inflamed?" The man stopped next to Remus, bending over to see the boys hand better. "Harry James!" He could hardly stop the sternness that instantly took over his tone.
Harry tried to once more pull his hand before giving up as Remus didn't let up his hold. The bright red 'I must not tell lies' angrily contrasting against the boy's skin.
"I..." Harry glanced between the two, eyes settling back onto his hand.
"This is fresh." Remus noted, his thumb resting close to the words as he studied the marks. He frowned deeply at the boy.
"Why in the world didn't you show me this?" Snape's nostrils flared angrily. It was obvious to him that Umbridge had been behind this. He did not have a doubt in his mind about that. "How long has this been going on?"
The man's eyes had not left his child despite the fact that Remus had spoken.
"All week," Harry replied softly, pulling his hand back as Remus finally released him. He pulled his hand to his chest, carefully tugging his sleeve over the red words. He looked back down to his text book, swallowing as he felt the eyes boring into him.
Remus took in a breath, the words causing him to release the teenager. "Harry."
"Why have you not said anything?" Snape's tone went sterner yet as he reached out and took hold of the boy's arm, easily pulling him to his feet. "Why did you not tell me about this?"
Harry stumbled as he was pulled up, tossing his textbook to the side as he did so. "Stop! I didn't want to give her the satisfaction... or for anything to happen." He took a step back, leaning slightly against the arm of the couch.
"What could possibly have happened?" Remus questioned, picking up the text book and properly closing it.
"I don't... I don't know... something!"
"No." Snape shook his head firmly. "We have been over this numerous times. When something like this happens, you come to me. You know that young man." The man's eyes narrowed on the teenager. "You know better!"
"I know! I've been told to keep my head down and just accept her!" Anger welled within the teenager as he met Snape's gaze with his own narrowed eyes. "So here! I've accepted her!" He held his hand out for emphasis.
Snape shook his head firmly as he felt the anger rise in him. "Do not! You know damn well that this is not what I meant at all!" The man let out an exasperated breath. "You know better than to ever try and hide something like this!"
Remus took in a breath, forcing himself to remain silent as he rested his arm across the back of the couch. His own frown remained as he watched the boy keep his gaze to his guardian before his head fell.
Slowly Harry attempted to pull his arm out of Snape's grip, eyes falling towards the floor. "Let me go." His tone, while at a much lower volume, still held onto defiance. When Snape made no attempt to release his arm, he pulled it a bit harder. "Severus, I said let go!" His tone held the air of a whine before it lowered to a mumble, "Git."
Snape felt his annoyance at the entire situation rise. He carefully pulled Harry away from the couch. Turning him to the side, he landed an exceptionally hard swat to his backside before depositing him into his armchair. The man placed a hand on each arm, leaning down to put his face much closer to his child's. The fact that Remus was in the room was the least of the man's concern. "You do not tell me what to do. Nor do you speak to me in such a way. Are we clear?"
Remus took in a breath, closing his eyes a moment before opening them once more. He was sure Harry was expecting him to help in some way, to calm the man, but even he couldn't justify doing so. Not yet.
Harry hissed at the swat and as his stinging bottom met the chair. His ears burned, staring up to Snape stubbornly before breaking his gaze away. He hated seeing the man so upset. "Yes," he uttered, pushing himself into the back of the chair in an attempt to put more space between him and his guardian.
"Did this start on the first night of your detentions?" Snape made no attempt to move, if anything leaning forward further. "Have you been hiding it that long?"
Harry spared a glance over towards Remus, swallowing as he kept himself curled up.
Remus raised a brow, simply shaking his head at the silent request. "How long has this been going on?" The man repeated his friend's question, causing the teenager to look down towards his knee.
"Yeah." Was the only word that Harry could force out.
"Do you realize that had you said something then I would have stopped it from continuing? Do you realize that I could have prevented your hand from being permanently scarred with dark magic?" Snape let out an exasperated sigh before leaning in closer to the boy's face. "What were you thinking?"
"I told you," Harry replied with as much cheek as he dared, folding his arms across his middle as he closed his eyes tightly.
"Harry, if you do not lose this attitude of yours, you are going to find yourself fetching the paddle." The man removed his hands from the arms of the chair. "Let me see your hand."
His cheeks burned at the threat, taking in a breath as he slowly extended his hand out to the man. "I don't have an attitude," he muttered softly, hearing Remus sigh quite loudly at the words.
"Harry..." The man warned.
Snape leaned down and forward, so close to the boy that their noses were nearly touching. "This is your absolute last warning. If you cannot behave correctly we can certainly continue discussing this twenty minutes from now, after your backside has been warmed." The man held the child's gaze for a long moment before he leaned back and gently took Harry's hand in his own.
Harry felt his chin quiver, eyes settling on his hand. Of course despite Snape's anger, his touch was gentle and he found himself thankful for it. "Sorry."
"Show me that you are sorry and behave correctly." The man's tone was still stern despite how gentle his touch was. "This came from a blood quill is that right?"
"I guess... I mean, it was a black quill." His own tone remained soft as he shifted his hand slightly.
"A blood quill," Remus confirmed, frowning towards the pair.
"Remus, there is a salve in my supply closet for removing marks caused by dark magic. It is marked as such, would you mind retrieving it for me?" The man's eyes remained on the words etched on the back of his son's hand.
"Of course." Remus stood, stepping down the hall to the supply closet. "Though my understanding is they cannot be fully removed?" He called from down the hall, scanning through the vials and jars before selecting the correct one.
Harry blinked, his fingers curling slightly against Snape's hand at Remus' words. "What?"
Remus stepped into the parlor, frowning at the teenager as he stepped up and held the jar out to Snape. "Perhaps next time you'll remember to say something."
Snape took the jar from the man, looking back to his child. "Remus is right. It has been going on for far too long to remove it completely. I can only hope to help it fade some." The man screwed the lid off of the jar.
Harry felt his shoulders slowly slouch down, blinking as he kept his hold on Snape's hand. "Oh..."
Remus moved around the chair, resting his hands on the teenager's shoulders and moving one hand to gently squeeze the back of his neck. "There was no reason to hide this. You understand that?"
Harry could only give a small nod. He felt like a complete arse. Snape was well past cross.
Snape dipped his fingers into the salve, gently applying a generous amount to the top of the boy's hand. "I am going to Albus about this. Tonight." The man looked up at Remus. "This is completely unacceptable. She went too far."
The teenager hissed, attempting to quickly pull his hand away with a hiss of pain. "Owww!"
Remus grimaced, rubbing between Harry's shoulders. "She has."
"Try and stay still." Snape's tone, for the first time, was much less stern. "Did anything else happen in these detentions that I need to know about?" The man gently rubbed the salve into the boy's hand.
"No." Harry shook his head, swallowing as he gripped at Snape's hand tightly once more.
"Breath," Snape instructed softly. "I will be done in a moment." The man continued to rub the salve gently into the boy's hand. "I would like to give her some dark magic of my own," the man muttered in a harsh tone.
"As would I," Remus spoke darkly from behind the teen, causing Harry to shrink down slightly. But the touch on his neck was gentle, moving to rub his shoulder slowly.
"I cannot believe you kept this a secret for the past four days." Snape's tone went stern despite his touch remaining gentle. "Lying about being cold in order to hide it. Absolutely unacceptable young man."
Harry kept silent, keeping himself curled up slightly as he only offered a small shrug.
Remus frowned, resting his hand on the back of the chair. "And if she's doing this to others?"
"Albus had better assure me that this will never happen again." Snape continued to work on the boy's hand, applying more salve before gently rubbing it into the damaged skin. "And you young man..." He looked down at Harry. "We are going to have quite the discussion about your hiding this in the morning."
Harry cringed, taking in a breath as he leaned back. "Why?" He asked softly, frowning as he felt a finger tap gently on the back of his head.
"You really think that's a legitimate question?" Remus spoke behind the child as Harry looked up towards him.
"You have been lying to both of us all week." Snape paused in his actions as he looked at the teenager. "Have you not?"
Harry looked back to Snape, dread pooling into his stomach as he lowered his gaze to his knee.
A silent answer.
"As I said, in the morning." The man's attention went back to the boys hand, rubbing the last of the salve into it. "Does your hand feel alright or is it still hurting?"
"It's okay," Harry replied softly, blinking as raised his other hand up to rub under his glasses quickly.
"Into bed. I will be in momentarily to say goodnight before I go speak with Albus." Snape stood up straight, screwing the lid back onto the salve.
The teenager slowly stood as he was given room, lowering his hand down his side as he spared a look over his shoulder to Remus.
The man's expression softened as he moved around the chair, pressing a kiss to the boy's temple before patting the small of his back. "Get some rest."
Harry closed his eyes briefly, taking in a breath before slowly nodding with a soft, "Night," he stepped out of the parlor, moving down the hall and to his room before closing his door behind him.
As Snape heard the door close down the hall he let out an annoyed sigh. "Can you believe that he would hide such a thing?"
"I wish I could say no," Remus replied softly, sitting back on the couch with a sigh. "But I'm unfortunately not surprised."
"Then enlighten me, Remus. Why do you think he would do such a thing?" Snape sat down in his armchair. "He knew he would not be in danger of being in any trouble had he come to me after the first night."
"I don't know, Severus. I will not pretend to know. I only hope that woman didn't threaten him in some way, but it would not surprise me if she did." Remus shook his head faintly.
Snape was silent for a long moment before clearing his throat. "I like to think that if she had, Harry would have mentioned that. He knows I am not pleased with him. I do not think, knowing that we are now aware of his hand, that he would make it known if she had."
Remus hummed softly, relaxing back slightly into the couch. "It was only a thought. I hope that I'm wrong and there's another reason."
Snape was silent for a long moment before an exasperated sigh escaped him. "I have half a mind to tan that backside of his every night for a week."
"But you won't," Remus replied, eyeing his friend as he rested his chin into his hand.
"No, I will not." Snape shook his head. "Once, tomorrow morning, will suffice."
Remus took in a breath, clearing his throat. "I'll pay Sirius a visit in the morning."
Snape hummed softly it was unusual for Remus not to attempt to talk him out of disciplining Harry. "I do not wish to put you out. I can deal with Harry in his room and set a silencing charm."
"I know right now he's hoping that I will somehow stop his fate, however I cannot find it in myself to disagree this time. Four days of lies and about something quite serious." Remus shook his head slowly, eyes settling on the dying flames within the fireplace.
"He certainly knows better." Snape's eyes moved to the clock on the mantel. "That on top of the utter attitude he had when he was caught. Yes, I intend to make sure that such a thing does not occur again."
"I trust you'll use your judgment while dealing with him. Not that I believe you wouldn't." He looked back to Snape. "Tomorrow I will have a small discussion with him as well."
"I am sure that doing so could only be beneficial." The man pushed himself up out of his chair. "I am going to go say goodnight to him before I go speak to Albus."
Remus gave a nod, sitting up and picking up the book he had previously been reading.
Harry laid on his stomach, his hand resting on his pillow to allow himself to stare at the slightly healed words. The skin was no longer inflamed at the very least.
He sniffed, pressing his face into his pillow while his fingers curled. Snape and Remus had been so upset. And Snape had smacked him right in front of Remus! His ears burned as he tucked his head close to his arm.
He could not help the dread that pooled in his stomach. It had been so long since he was in serious trouble with his guardian.
He wasn't scared of Snape, he never was. Still, he couldn't help but worry that he was going to feel the man's belt again.
Snape moved down the hallway, knocking once on the teenager's door before walking into his room. "How does your hand feel?" The man moved to sit on the edge of the boy's bed. He reached his hand out, placing it gently on the small of Harry's back.
Harry took in a deep breath as he felt the bed dip down, shifting his head slightly. "Just stings," he whispered, glancing over to the man.
"I can certainly get you a pain reliever for that if you feel as though you need one." Snape's fingertips tapped gently against the boy's back. "Hmm?"
"No." He rested his head back down, eyes closing as he curled his other arm under his pillow. "I'm fine."
"I am going to be leaving to talk to Albus soon, however, if you change your mind and want a pain reliever Remus will be here." Snape's eyes remained on his child.
Harry gave a small nod, reaching and pulling his blanket up and over his shoulder. "Okay."
Snape nodded as he stood. He leaned down, tucking the blanket under the boy's chin before pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "Sleep well Harry."
"Night," he whispered softly, curling up slightly as a frown crossed over his face.
"Goodnight." The man waved his hand causing the room to darken completely before moving towards the door.
"I'm sorry," Harry called softly as the room darkened.
"What are we apologizing for?" Snape questioned as he paused in the doorway. "The lying? The attitude I saw earlier?"
"Everything," Harry replied, tucking his chin under the covers with a deep frown.
"I believe I said that we would discuss this in the morning." Snape's tone was soft. "I never imagined that you were not remorseful."
Harry felt his stomach flip over itself as his cheeks prickled with warmth. "I don't want you to strap me again."
The room was silent for a long moment before Snape let out a soft sigh. "You needn't worry about such a thing. I have no intention of taking off my belt tomorrow morning nor would I ever do that without plenty of warning. Understood?"
"Understood," Harry replied as his face continued to burn with the shame of his own behavior. "I am sorry though. I really am."
"I know." Snape nodded despite the darkness of the room. "We will discuss it all in the morning."
Harry only gave a silent shrug as he tightened his hold around his pillow. "Night."
"Goodnight Harry. Sleep well." The man stepped into the hall with a small sigh, pulling the teenager's bedroom door halfway closed.
He moved back down to the parlor, clearing his throat softly. "If you would like to say goodnight to him he is still awake. I also told him that if he changed his mind about a pain reliever to ask you for one."
Remus looked up as Snape re-entered, closing his book and placing it on the table. "I will actually." He stood, sighing as he did so. "I'm sure you'll give Albus quite the earful for us both." He chuckled, moving over towards the hall as he looked over to the man.
"I intend to make sure this never happens again. To Harry or any other child for that matter." The man moves towards the door. "I should not be too long."
Giving a nod, Remus stepped down the hall and paused in front of the child's room. Raising his hand, he knocked twice and paused, waiting to see if Harry responded despite the door being open partly. "Harry?" He called softly.
Harry sighed softly as he heard the voice, slowly rolling over to face towards the door. "Come in."
The man moved into the room, frowning as his eyes settled on the teenager. "I thought I would come in and say goodnight."
Harry forced a small smile before it faded quickly, eyes falling to the top of his covers. "G'night," he replied softly, shifting his head against his pillow slowly. Dread remained in his stomach, twisting tightly. He nearly wished he didn't have to deal with his guardian in the morning.
Remus raised an eyebrow at the quick reply. Typically when he came in to say goodnight the teenager wanted to talk for a bit. "You must be quite tired?"
"Not really," he admitted, rubbing his hand slowly over the covers. "You and Snape are both upset."
Remus let out a low sigh as he stepped further into the room. "I am disappointed that you felt the need to hide such a thing."
Harry frowned, looking up to the man as he noticed Remus move into the room. "I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of complaining. I know how Snape is and I don't want her to do something." He shrugged a shoulder, rubbing a hand idly across the covers once more.
"But now you have given her the satisfaction of knowing that those words will be on your hand permanently." Remus moved further into the room, sitting on the edge of the boy's bed. "And you lied to both of us, more than once."
"And I'm sorry," Harry breathed, resting his hand on the pillow as Remus sat down.
"I know, just as I hope you know that you are forgiven." Remus looked over at the boy, the light shining in from the hall illuminating his face. "However, that does not make what you did okay."
Harry stared up to the man, slowly looking back down before closing his eyes completely. "Severus is furious."
"Severus is upset and I believe he has a right to be. You should have told him about this the moment it started." Remus let out a small sigh. "I am sure he will calm a bit by morning."
A doubtful frown crossed over the teenager's face at the words as he pulled his blanket tighter to his chin. "Yeah... I'm sure.."
"He loves you very much but he is disappointed as well. I do not blame him for feeling that way." Remus frowned at his own words. Typically he was the one taking to the child's guardian and persuading him to go easier on the boy. He could not find it in himself to do so this time however.
Harry frowned as he pulled the covers up even further to tuck his head partially under it. "I don't want to deal with him tomorrow," he muttered into the covers.
"I'm sure that you don't." The man hummed softly watching as Harry hid part of his face under his blanket. "Waiting for a walloping is never an easy task."
Harry cringed at the words, face and ears burning while his shoulders tensed. "Remus..." A hint of a whine entered his tone as he opened his eyes and looked over to the man.
"Hmm?" The man's eyes remained on the teenager.
Harry blinked, instantly realizing that Remus wasn't going to help. "Nothing," he replied, shaking his head against his pillow while rolling onto his stomach once more.
"I'm sorry, Harry but I'm afraid that you stepped a bit too far out of line for me to speak to Severus on your behalf this time." The man's hand rested gently on the teenager's back. "You know how he feels about lying."
"Yeah, I do." And that only made him dread the morning even more.
"I cannot say that I disagree with his feelings on that particular subject either." The man's hand brushed gently across the teenager's back. "I do not enjoy being lied to."
"And I'm sorry." Harry cringed slightly, curling up as his scar seared for a brief moment before fading completely. Sighing, he rubbed his hand idly across his pillow. Of course, Snape's old lesson rang into his mind, when he had thrown the plate down onto the ground and told him to say sorry. That sorry didn't fix things.
"I forgive you." Remus' tone was sincere. "You know better than to think I would not. However, lying comes with consequences."
"Yeah... I know," he whispered, tucking both arms under his pillow as he held onto it tightly.
"Severus forgives you as well. Regardless of whether he told you that or not." The man's thumb tapped gently against the boy's back.
Harry gave a small nod, sighing softly. "Hate dealing with him when he's upset."
"He will be fair. You know that." Remus sighed softly. "And as I said, I am sure he will calm a great deal before morning."
"Yeah," he muttered into the covers, taking in a deep breath. "Hope so."
"He will." Remus' thumb tapped once more. "Do you need something to help you sleep?"
"No... I'll be okay I think." Harry lifted his head to look over to the man. "Thanks Remus."
"There is no need to thank me." The man gave the teenager a small smile. "I am going to leave you and allow you to sleep. However, if you need me I will be in the parlor."
"Okay." He rested his head back down, sighing softly. "Love you, you know."
"I love you too, Harry." The man stood. "Nothing will change that." The man leaned down, placing a kiss on the boy's forehead. "Try and get some sleep."
TBC...