Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

Hermione stared after Evan, her own heart hurting for her child. She followed the sounds of banging and headed to the kitchen where Harry was loudly making tea. "Where is he?" Harry asked sharply.

"In his room," Hermione answered calmly. "He's upset."

"He's upset?" Harry asked incredulously. "Good, he should be!"

"Harry -"

"The condition down there has deteriorated, rocks have been caving in. They could have been killed! You know what they were doing when I found them? Circling the bones of the basilisk and talking about how cool it was. They never even considered the danger they were in!"

"I know," Hermione snapped. "But you need to calm down before we deal with Evan."

"Oh, I do?" Harry asked sarcastically.

"Yes," Hermione crossed her arms. "He's scared of you right now."

"I don't think – what?" Harry paused, anger leaving his eyes to be replaced with surprise. "You mean he's scared of being punished." He said dismissively.

"I'm sure that too but no, he's mostly afraid of you," Hermione said. "Harry, he's never had you be this angry with him before. He thinks you now hate him."

"How could he think that?" Harry shook his head and dropped onto the kitchen chair. "I love him more than I can say. I was terrified when I saw him , Artie and Castor in that Chamber, next to the Basilisk bones. If something had happened to him, if he had slipped and fallen or if rocks had caved in on him..." Harry shut his eyes. He had been so relieved to find his son unharmed and then so angry at the sheer foolishness of what he had done.

Hermione sat next to him and took his hand. "I understand because I feel the same way. But Evan doesn't understand that your anger is because of how afraid you were that something would happen to him. That's why we need to be more calm when we speak to him. He can see our anger and disappointment but if he's too scared of us to listen to us, then he learns nothing."

"Too scared of me, you mean," Harry said, feeling bad. He was still angry at what Evan had done but he hadn't meant to make his son scared of him. "I did swat him when I found him," he sighed.

"I would have done the same thing," Hermione admitted. It wasn't often that they used corporal punishment on their children and if they did, it was usually just a swat or two. But if any situation called for it, she figured this one did so she didn't blame Harry for reacting that way. "The important thing is he is safe and unharmed. Let that sink in first before thinking of the foolishness he did."

Harry scowled. "Foolishness. Idiotic, insane..."

"Like sneaking around the castle in your invisibility cloak," Hermione pointed out. "Going to the restricted section of the library your first year -"

"That was your idea!"

"Almost crashing into a wall during flying class to catch a toy -"

"I did not almost crash -"

"Planning to duel at midnight, being around a baby dragon...

"Okay!" Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "Merlin, was all that just our first year? I guess it serves us right to have a child that goes looking for trouble."

"Serves you right, perhaps." Hermione said primly, a twinkle in her eye.

"Shall we speak to our son now?"

HP

In the Malfoy quarters, Draco was pacing back and forth in the sitting room. Astoria was watching him carefully and Castor watching nervously.

"I would really like to know what you were thinking," Draco finally said. "And the answer better not just be that you thought it would be fun."

"Um," Castor bit his lip. He didn't have an answer that would please his parents. "I thought it would be adventurous." He offered, wincing at the dark look on his dad's face.

"Do you think this is a joke!?" Draco yelled. "You could have been killed!"

Castor shrank into the couch. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry," Draco scoffed. "Did Snape and Weasley pressure you into going?"

"No, I wanted to go," Castor said honestly.

"Gryffindors," Draco shook his head. "Never thinking..."

"You're just mad because I'm not a Slytherin," Castor muttered.

"Excuse me?" Draco asked coldly. "I'm angry because you were so foolish."

"No, you're mad I'm not a Slytherin!" Castor stood up, eyes glistening with angry tears. "You'd rather I was a snake and bullied Evan and Artie the way you did to their fathers!" He'd heard the stories from his dorm-mates.

Draco's face darkened and he took a step towards his son.

"Okay, time out," Astoria spoke up. "Yelling at each other isn't going to accomplish anything. Castor, you have detention with Professor McGonagall tonight. Go wait in your room until it is time."

"I want to go to the Tower," Castor protested.

"No," Astoria said firmly. "You need to do as I say. We'll discuss your punishment later."

Castor threw his dad a mild glare and stomped from the room.

"Draco, calm down," Astoria said softly.

"He's really asking for it," Draco muttered. "Did you hear the way he spoke to me? If I had talked to my father that way..."

"But you are not your father," Astoria said.

"Which is why I am not hexing him or taking a cane to him," Draco said, running a hand through his hair. As a child he had been terrified of Lucius, he never wanted his children to feel that way about him. "He will be punished, however."

"Yes," Astoria agreed. "Perhaps being restricted to his dorm except for classes and meals."

"He can be restricted to his room here," Draco said. "He'll just end up playing with his friends otherwise."

"Well," Astoria hesitated. "I was thinking of that but since he thinks you are against him being in Gryffindor, maybe we should just restrict him to the Tower."

"Cas was just trying to distract me from his foolhardy," Draco said dismissively. "He knows I'm fine with him being in Gryffindor."

"I don't know," Astoria murmured. "He seemed really upset."

"He should be upset, he's in trouble," Draco snorted. "I want him restricted here, where he can't just laugh it up with his friends. He can concentrate on is homework and write us a paper on why that chamber is so dangerous. I'll get him some books to read about it."

"All right," Astoria said after a moment. She worried that Castor really did believe that Draco was upset about him being in Gryffindor and thought it would be better if they all talked about it, but she would give it time.

HP

"Of all the foolish stunts," Ron muttered as he paced the sitting room. "I bet it didn't take much convincing for you to go into the Chamber."

"No," Artie admitted.

"Artie, do you have any idea of how scared we were?" Lavender asked seriously. "Do you even realize the danger you were in?"

"No," Artie said quietly.

Ron rolled his eyes. "Of course not. It was all fun and games, right?"

"You went into the chamber when you were a kid," Artie protested.

Ron stood in front of his son and bent down to look into his eyes. "When Harry and I went into the chamber, it was because my sister had been taken and we wanted to save her. Don't you dare compare what you did with what I did. You just wanted to have fun, despite knowing we would not want you down there."

Artie looked down, a penitent expression on his face. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.

"Are you? Or just sorry you got caught?" Ron shook his head. "You're on restriction for the week. You can stay in your dorm, but no socializing in the common room with your friends. Your prefect will tell us if you do. And you will be spending time here, perhaps doing chores or we'll find you some extra homework to do."

Artie's face fell.

"You have detention tonight with Professor McGonagall," Lavender told him. "Why don't you go to your room here and wait until it is set to begin? You can think about your actions and why they were so dangerous."

"My room? But mum -" Artie started to whine. He hated being sent to his room and knowing he would have to stay in his dorm all week, well... that was going to be so boring! The common room was where everyone hung out and played games.

Ron quickly put a stop to his whining by taking him by the arm, turning him and giving him a smack on his backside. "Do not argue with your mother. Go to your room and for your sake, you better adjust your attitude."

A dejected look formed over Artie's face as he slowly began walking. "I really am sorry," he said softly. Before he got to his room, he heard his father sigh and a moment later was gently being turned around.

"I know you're sorry," Ron said, his voice softer than it had been. "We just want to make sure you understand why what you did was wrong. We love you, you know that."

"I know. I love you too." Artie said, hugging his dad before heading to his room.

"Kids," Ron said when he was back in the sitting room with Lavender. "Doing something so dangerous just because it seems exciting."

"Like when you had the brilliant idea to fly a car to school?" Lavender asked innocently. She smiled as Ron's eyes widened.

"Merlin," Ron slowly grinned. "Looking back, I can't believe I did that. I should apologize to my parents again." He joked.

Lavender laughed. "I wouldn't. Your mum will get upset all over again just being reminded about it and send you another howler."

Ron nodded ruefully.

HP

Evan sat on the sofa after being called into the sitting room. He wouldn't look at either of them in the eyes, especially his father. He felt sick to his stomach, knowing how mad he had made his parents.

"We'd like you to tell us what happened," Hermione began. "What made you boys go look for the Chamber?"

"We got onto the subject of talking about your days here," Evan mumbled. "Lynx and Avery were interested in your stories especially and when I mentioned the Chamber, they got really excited. Artie and Castor too, they had heard about the story. I just planned to show them the sink, I didn't plan to try and open it."

"Go on," Hermione said softly.

"They asked if I or Sage had ever seen inside it and I said you wouldn't let us," Evan continued. "I looked at the snake and tried to speak how I remembered you speaking. I didn't think it would actually work! It just started out as a joke."

"But then it did work," Harry said, keeping his voice calm.

"Yeah, and I was really surprised. It was so cool though, and I just," Evan bit his lip. "I knew the Basilisk was dead and I just wanted to see. I didn't think -"

"Exactly, you didn't think!" Harry said, narrowing his eyes at his son. "You didn't think about the condition down there, you didn't think about how you would get back out and you certainly didn't care to think about how you knew you were not allowed down there."

"I'm sorry," Evan whispered.

Harry took a deep breath. "I appreciate that you are sorry," He said. "But it doesn't change the fact that you disobeyed us and did something dangerous. You, Artie and Castor are both extremely lucky that nothing happened to you down there."

Evan felt sick at the idea that his friends could have been hurt because of him. After all, Artie and Castor wouldn't have been able to go down into the Chamber if it wasn't for Evan opening it. "I'm sorry," He said helplessly. "I didn't mean to be bad."

"You're not bad," Hermione said with a sigh. "What you did was foolish and reckless, however."

"You're grounded." Harry spoke up. "You are confined to your room here for a week. No Quidditch practices, no seeing your friends outside of classes. You will eat all your meals here too. You will spend your time doing homework, your lines and your essay."

Evan looked up with confused eyes. "What lines and essay?"

"The ones we're assigning you," Hermione said firmly. "You have a week to complete them and if they are not done to our satisfaction, then your grounding will extend another week. Understood?"

Evan nodded miserably. It was going to be a long, boring week.

"Professor McGonagall sent word that she gave Lynx and Avery detention with Madam Pomfrey in the infirmary tonight," Hermione said. "Artie and Castor will have detention with her. She also took ten points from each of you, which is ridiculously fair of her."

"You will have detention tonight as well, but not with your friends," Harry said. "I believe your papa could use someone to clean cauldrons for him."

Evan's eyes widened. "But he'll be so mad at me!"

"Yes," Harry agreed. His eyes softened. "Because he loves you, like we do. You do understand that, right? That we love you more than you could imagine?"

"You gave me a smack in front of my friends," Evan mumbled.

Harry sighed. "You deserved one. Be thankful it isn't more than one. And if you remember, Castor received one as well from his father." Harry knelt in front of Evan. "I don't want you to ever be afraid of me." He said quietly. "I would never hurt you, you know that. And I certainly could never hate you, not ever."

Evan launched himself into his father's arms, sniffling. "I'm really sorry!"

"I know," Harry whispered as he held his boy. He glanced at Hermione's soft eyes.

"I need to go pick up Gavin from Ginny's," Hermione said, standing up. She kissed Evan on the head. "I love you, you little trouble maker."

Evan gave an embarrassed grin as she disappeared into the floo. He looked at his dad. "Do I really have to have detention with Papa? Maybe he's busy!" He said hopefully.

"Hmm, you may be right," Harry summoned a quill and parchment and scribbled a quick note which he sent through the floo to his dad. A few minutes later a response returned and Harry read it. "Nope, he's free and can't wait to have a talk with you," He said cheerfully. "He also mentions he has a lot of cauldrons that need cleaning."

"Maybe Artie and Castor can share my detention with me instead of having one with Professor McGonagall," Evan suggested.

"No friends outside of class, not even in detention," Harry said firmly. "I'll make sure to get your books and uniform from the Tower."

"Okay," Evan said dejectedly. He noticed his dad looking at him with stern eyes. "What?"

"Where should you be right now?"

"My room," Evan sighed. He brightened when he remembered that he shared his room here with Gavin. At least he would have someone to talk to.

"By the way, Gavin will be staying in Sage's room," Harry called after him, smirking as his son let out a sad sigh. "Your detention is in an hour."

HP

Snape looked up when Evan entered his classroom with a apprehensive look on his face. He had been extremely upset to learn of what Evan had done, the danger he had put himself in and it was a good thing for the boy that he had not been the one to find him that afternoon. Without a word, he pointed to the pile of dirty cauldrons on the counter. "No magic." Was all he said.

Evan sighed. "Yes, sir," He said despondently as he walked over and began the grueling task of washing cauldrons.

Almost two hours later and there were still a lot of cauldrons that needed to be cleaned. Evan felt like his arms were going to fall off! Tears filled his eyes as he thought about being grounded for a week, confined to his room. And no Quidditch practice, not that he did much practicing. He was just a back-up Seeker. He wasn't talented and brave like his father after all.

Snape lifted his head when he heard the sounds of muffled crying. "Evan?" He asked in concern. He frowned when Evan didn't turn around or respond. "Evan, come here." He instructed.

Evan shuffled to his papa's desk, his head down.

Snape gave a sigh. "Evan, look at me." He said firmly. His heart clenched at the tear stained face. "Did you hurt yourself?"

"No, sir," Evan said softly.

"Perhaps we should have a talk," Snape summoned a chair over so that Evan could sit next to him.

"Are you mad at me?" Evan asked as he sat down.

"No," Snape said slowly. "I'm disappointed in your actions. I'm upset that you could have been seriously hurt for something so foolish. My heart nearly stopped when I heard about you in that Chamber. What were thinking?" He scolded.

"Um, everyone agrees I wasn't," Evan said.

Snape regarded him thoughtfully. "I heard about your punishment, is that why you are crying?"

Evan shook his head. "No, not really. Although I know I'm in for a boring week. Well, except for my homework, lines and essay."

"What else is bothering you?"

"I'm nothing like dad," Evan said dejectedly. "I couldn't make the Quidditch team like he did his first year and when he entered the Chamber everyone thought he was brave and -"

"Hold it," Snape held up a hand. "First, you are a reserve Seeker which for a first year is very impressive. No first year has made Seeker since your father, at least you are on the team. If your Seeker is hurt or sick, you get to play. There are older students who try out every year and would be grateful to at least make a reserve player. You should be proud of yourself, I know I am."

"Really?"

"Yes. Now on to the Chamber. Believe me, not everyone was happy about what he did. However, the circumstances were vastly different. He was saving a friend's life whereas you just wanted to play around and show off for your friends."

Evan flushed, since that was true.

"Believe me, if I had known Harry was my son during that time I would have grounded him," Snape said seriously. "At the very least."

"You wouldn't have felt proud of him?" Evan asked in surprise.

"Partly, yes," Snape admitted. "Even before I knew he was my son I knew he was brave. Foolhardy and reckless, yet brave. However, I also was frustrated at all the times he put himself in danger. But again, circumstances were different. He didn't feel he had any adults to go to for help. You and your siblings will never have that problem."

Evan gave him a small smile before sighing. "I guess I should finish washing those cauldrons." He rubbed his sore arms.

Snape gave him an amused look. "Hmm, I suppose you should. Well, off with you then." He flicked his wand in the direction of the cauldrons as Evan made his way over.

Evan started to pick one up and paused, staring at the cauldrons in surprise. They were all clean! He glanced over at his papa, who gave him a smirk.

"All done?" Snape asked innocently.

Evan ran over and threw his arms around his papa's neck. "I love you, Papa."

"I love you too, my reckless lion," Snape said. "Very much."

HP

"But why can't I go in there?" Gavin asked for the fifth time.

"We've told you why," Harry said, rubbing his hand over his face. It had been a long day and he wanted to go to bed. Evan had returned from detention, tired but otherwise he seemed alright. He had already eaten dinner and gone to bed for the night.

Gavin frowned. "It's my room and I want to see Evan." He said stubbornly.

"You'll see him in the morning," Hermione said. "Evan got himself into some trouble and is grounded to his room except for classes. That is why we moved your things into Sage's room for the week. It's just a week, Gavin. I even charmed the bedspread to look like yours, okay?"

"But why can't I talk to Evan?"

"He's asleep," Hermione said a touch exasperatedly.

"So early?"

"It's not that early. And he had a busy day."

"What did he do?"

"If he wants to tell you, he can tomorrow." Harry said. "But you aren't allowed to hang out in his room this week. He's being punished. But he's eating his meals here so you'll see him at breakfast."

Gavin frowned. He wanted to know what his brother had done and if he was okay. Evan never went to bed this early, not voluntarily anyway. He liked to stay up late.

"He's okay, Gavin," Hermione said gently. "He had detention with your Papa cleaning cauldrons so he's tired. Why don't you go get ready for bed?"

"Okay," Gavin said, giving in. "You promise he's okay?"

"I promise," Hermione said. She watched him go. "I must admit I'm ready to turn in myself."

"Me too," Harry sighed. "It's been quite a day."

"Let's get ready for bed ourselves," Hermione suggested. "I'll get Gavin reading and he'll fall asleep in no time. Ginny mentioned they played outside a lot today so I bet he's tired."

"Okay," Harry agreed. "I'm just going to go -"

"Check on Evan," Hermione finished with a small smile. "Don't wake him."

Harry crept into his son's room, relieved that Evan was sleeping peacefully. He watched his boy, his heart full of love for him. He wanted to make sure Evan knew how much he was loved. He wanted all his children to know. When his dad had brought Evan back from detention, he had mentioned that he was wanting to live up to Harry's accomplishments and adventures. He and Evan would need to have a talk about that. Evan had nothing to prove, he was already a great kid and Harry and Hermione were immensely proud of him. Now if he could just convince Evan of that.

TBC: