I was going to publish this as a one-shot, but since I'm not done with the next chapter and this was long enough to be a chapter itself, I figured: why not? Enjoy!

Those kids would be the death of him.

Severus paced in his kitchen, trying his best not to give in to the urge to march back out into the living room and hex some common sense into the children. His slipper could probably pound some common sense into them as well.

Deep breath. Severus opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of a muggle beer and poured a nightcap for himself. He'll just hide out in the kitchen all night.

Severus took a long drink from his glass, staring at the opposite wall as his mind wandered. Someone could have died tonight. Severus set his nightcap down and rubbed at his face with both hands. Draco had been bitten by a basilisk that had been declared dead almost two decades prior. How was it even possible? Shaking his head, Severus picked up his nightcap and took another gulp.

After a minute of calming his temper, he was ready to face the children again. Severus set his drink down and took a step toward the entryway, paused, then backtracked and picked up his drink again, leaning against the counter. Not ready.

Severus sighed after taking a couple more gulps. He couldn't hide in the kitchen all night. But what was he going to do with the four miscreants in his quarters? This was a serious matter. Several school rules had been broken – sneaking out of their dorms, wandering the castle after curfew, using an ancient dark artifact, battling a monster – the list went on and on. And they were all equally guilty. They needed to be punished. Perhaps he could send them all home and have their parents deal with them. That would just leave him with Harry and potentially Draco.

But then word would get out of what had happened. The less who knew of the chamber the better. And what of Miss Granger's parents? Muggles could be hysterical when it came to magical beasts and dangerous battles. Would it be wrong to misinform them? Perhaps say their daughter had only been out past curfew? Miss Granger was sure to know that her actions were severely wrong.

But it wouldn't be fair to let one get away with a minor punishment compared to the rest. He was sure to hear of the unfairness from the other three. He needed a second opinion.

Severus finished his nightcap and left the kitchen, purposely avoiding the questioning and nervous eyes from the four troublemakers as he made his way to the fireplace and threw in some powder. Sticking his head in, he called for Minerva's quarters. It took a few minutes before the older witch appeared before him.

"It's almost two in the morning, Severus," Minerva said, "what is it?"

"I have four troublemakers in my quarters waiting for me to bring the law down on them."

"Oh no," Minerva shook her head disapprovingly. "Four, you say? As in three lion cubs and a snakelet? What did they do this time?"

"Oh, you'll enjoy this story," Severus assured, "you know of Sam's tooth, yes? The children found it and decided it would be fun to see where it led them to. It took them to the Chamber of Secrets and the dead basilisk attacked them while they were down there. Merlin knows how. Sam confirmed the snake is dead once more. Draco had been bitten but he is fine now. I had a vial of phoenix tears on me, thank heavens."

"No one else is hurt?"

"Everyone's fine, just waiting on punishment."

"Well, why haven't you whipped them all yet?" Minerva huffed, her hands on her hips.

Severus snorted and raised an eyebrow.

"Is the Head of Gryffindor suggesting such a discipline on her precious lions? Someone should mark this moment down in the history books."

"You know I try to refrain from using such discipline unless it is absolutely necessary. Besides, I'm not as young as I used to be. Since you have all four, why don't you tend to their punishments? You're a Head of House and fully capable of seeing to it. As far as I'm concerned, they have two options – accept a spanking from a Head or go home and explain it all to their parents. As for their school records, I believe it might be best to leave this off the books. We don't want any frantic parents showing up or curious students checking out that girl's bathroom."

Severus sighed, "I guess I should get to it then. Looks like I have some smackings to hand out before I retire to my bed."

"You plan to do it all now?"

"I'd rather we all get it done and over with and move on by morning instead of letting them toss and turn the rest of the night and not be able to focus on why they are being punished."

"Well, good luck to you then, Severus. And save me some lecturing for them. I'd like to give those kids a piece of my mind the next time I see them."

"Will do," Severus smirked before withdrawing from the fireplace. He sighed as he stood before walking back to the children, standing over them.

"I have just spoken with Professor McGonagall," he told them, narrowing his eyes. "She has put me in charge of your punishments for this incident. We have both decided it best to leave this event off school records for the safety of the other students and to keep word of mouth from spreading. That said, no points will be taken, and no one is getting detention."

Hermione visibly relaxed, as did Ron, but Harry and Draco gulped. Severus bit back a snort, knowing that his boys knew exactly what was coming.

"However," he continued, watching as unease settled back into Hermione and Ron, "Professor McGonagall has agreed to a more traditional Hogwarts punishment approach for your actions tonight, and I cannot agree with her more. So, Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, I will inform you of your options: you may be escorted home to your parents at eight o'clock this morning, where they will be informed of your actions by your accompanying professor. Your parents will then decide on your punishment themselves."

Severus watched as Hermione's and Ron's faces paled considerably at his words. They certainly weren't going to like his next option.

"Or you will allow me, as a Head of House, to handle your punishment. And my punishment will be a ruler applied to your backsides. The decision is yours."

Severus noticed his son's face turn as red as Ron's hair, the redhead also turning red. Draco was looking off to the side, his elbow rested on the arm of the couch with his chin in his palm. Hermione was looking down at the cloak resting in her lap, fiddling with the edges. She licked her lips then looked up at Severus, meeting his eyes.

"I'll take the ruler," Hermione said, the three boys comically snapping their heads in her direction at once, eyes wide and jaws dropping. "I don't want my parents to know about this, sir."

Severus nodded. He figured as much from Hermione. He looked at Ron, who avoided his eyes and looked at his slippers, saying, "I-I'll take the r-ruler, too, sir."

Severus nodded again. Wonderful. He had to dish out four smackings in one night. Merlin grant him strength.

"Very well," he said, "Harry, escort Miss Granger to your room, then you report to my bedroom. Draco, you go to my study. Mr. Weasley, you stay here."

Severus remained where he stood as he watched the kids scramble to do as he said, Ron adjusting himself on the couch so he could lean against the arm. Severus flicked his wrist toward a hall closet then at Ron. A pillow and throw flew over to the boy and Ron gave an appreciative smile before looking down at his slippers again.

"Do not leave from that spot, Mr. Weasley," Severus said. "And no speaking to anyone else, understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"I will return to deal with your punishment shortly."

"Yes, sir."

Severus had thought hard on what order he should handle the four in and he figured Hermione would be the easiest and quickest to deal with. Ladies first, anyways, right? He walked in the direction of his son's room, finding Harry still talking with Hermione. He rested a hand on the boy's shoulder which made Harry look up at him.

"My room, now," he said, giving a helpful push in the right direction. He resisted adding a smack to the boy, not wanting to embarrass his sons in front of his friend.

Once Harry was out, Severus muttered a silencing charm as he closed the door, then turned and glared at Hermione, crossing his arms. Hermione looked down at her slippers, twiddling her thumbs as she leaned back against Harry's bed.

"Well, Miss Granger," Severus said, moving further into the room, standing directly in front of Hermione, "you've proved that even with brains, you are still just like any other Gryffindor – reckless and running into danger without so much as a second thought."

"I'm sorry, sir," Hermione said honestly before meeting Severus's eyes, "but I did give this plan a lot of thought and I was sure we'd all be safe, and it was working until the mouse . . ."

"You cannot apologize for your actions and then try to justify them," Severus interrupted. "What you four did tonight was life threatening, and Draco could have been killed. Any one of you could have been killed, and not just by the basilisk alone. None of you understand the magic behind that tooth, how were you to know it wouldn't turn against you? Or make you pay a price for something you weren't aware you requested? And what of the fall into the chamber? One of you could have hit your head and been knocked unconscious. Or worse."

"I know, sir, and . . ."

"If you knew, as you say, then why did you continue with the plan regardless?"

Hermione opened her mouth, paused, then slowly lowered her head, offering a shrug. "I was so sure nothing would go wrong. I never meant for anyone to get hurt. Not Draco, no one. It just happened so quickly."

"As things tend to do in life. Even when you think you have all the facts, Miss Granger, there is always potential for things unplanned and unexpected to happen that would never have crossed a million minds. Say a dead basilisk coming alive, for instance."

Severus noticed a tear escape Hermione's eye and she quickly swiped it away with her hand. Severus sighed wondering how he was going to manage himself through three more children. He moved around Hermione, sitting on the edge of his son's bed, Hermione standing in front of him.

"I am sure you believed your plan flawless, and I'm positive you did every bit of research possible, and seeing a friend injured probably devastated you greatly. But I hope tonight's events showed you how dangerous dark artifacts really are and how foolish you all were to use something like that tooth. To be honest, out of you four children, I would have expected you to make the mature suggestion of returning the tooth to Sam. Did that ever cross your mind?"

Another tear escaped Hermione's eyes as she offered a quiet, "maybe," Hermione swiped another hand under her eye before frowning at Severus, "But why does it have to be me? Everyone always expects me to make the right decisions, but I can't."

"Child, no one expects so much from you. You are just that, a child. Young and inexperienced. However, you have proven that you do display a bright mind and you are capable of reasonable thinking compared to the other Gryffindors you house with."

Severus suddenly felt annoyed at the other professors (and admittedly, himself) for always overestimating Hermione, for considering her a mature and responsible know-it-all, when the girl was just reciting every word of every textbook she's read. She was young and impressionable, just like the next twelve to thirteen-year-old.

"With that said," Severus continued, "I know you are bright enough to understand the exact dangers you were putting yourself in, or you wouldn't have transfigured that hairpin into a mouse and used the necklace on it. Isn't that correct?"

"Yes, sir," Hermione admitted reluctantly.

"And you still followed through on your plan, didn't you? And you didn't consider returning the tooth nor did you involve an adult on your suspicions. And, if I remember correctly, you lied to a professor in order to get a pass into the restricted section of the library. Didn't you?"

Hermione gulped and nodded her head. "Yes, sir."

Severus smirked, "I think I'll let that last one go considering the professor."

Hermione allowed a small smile to spread on her face despite her teary eyes.

"Just this once," Severus held up a finger, "and don't let the others know."

"Yes, sir," Hermione said.

Severus smiled before sighing and standing up, walking over to his son's desk.

"I believe we need to move on to your punishment, Miss Granger. After our discussion, I am sure you know exactly why you are being punished?" Severus opened a drawer and pulled out a thick, wooden ruler.

Hermione gulped, saying, "Yes, sir."

"Good," Severus turned around and walked back towards Hermione. "You are not forbidden from crying out, try not to kick back at me, and try not to move too much out of aim. You will receive twelve smacks with the ruler. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Take off your robe and lean over the bed, please."

Hermione slowly did as she was asked, folding her robe and laying it over the end of the bed, placing her wand on the desk. She swallowed as she leaned over the bed, resting up on her elbows, her cheeks tinged red. Severus waited until the young girl has relaxed before stepping up to her side.

"Twelve with ruler," he reminded. "No more, no less."

Hermione nodded.

Severus raised his hand and brought the ruler down sharply. Hermione jumped and gasped with the first one. The second one elicited a yelp from her. By the time she had received all twelve, she was silently crying into the blanket. Severus patted her back twice.

"There, your punishment is over. Your parents will receive a letter letting them know you were caught wandering around past curfew and received appropriate punishment. You will sleep in Harry's room tonight. The bathroom is right outside the door across the hall. You are not to leave this room or my quarters until I personally dismiss you. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Hermione said, her hands itching to reach back and rub.

"Go on, in bed with you," Severus said.

Hermione quickly crawled under the blanket and rested her head on the pillow, deciding to sleep on her stomach that night. Severus nodded, but before extinguishing all the candles, he said, "One more thing, Miss Granger. I will try to lower my expectations of you and remind myself that you are no different than the next child."

Hermione smiled. "Thanks, sir."

"I won't lower them much, mind you," Severus said.

"Yes, sir."

"Goodnight, Miss Granger."

Severus closed the door to Harry's room and performed a time check charm as he slipped the ruler into a sleeve. He had spent nearly fifteen minutes with one child. This was going to be a long night. Severus made his way to Ron, who had resigned to his fate and arranged himself on the couch, fiddling with his wand, his cloak already off and folded on the coffee table. Severus flicked his wrist for another silencing charm.

"Set your wand there, Mr. Weasley," Severus pointed to the coffee table. Ron did as he was told and sat up on the couch, pushing the blanket aside.

"You and I have much to discuss," Severus said, crossing his arms. "After your little adventure last year, I would think you wiser this year. Tell me, how much did you enjoy your late-night adventure?"

"Not very much, sir."

"No? How interesting," Severus tapped his chin with mock interest as he circled the couch, Ron hunching his shoulders as he watched Severus. "A Gryffindor did not enjoy his reckless, daring adventure, which no doubt proved his true chivalry? That is most interesting."

"I wouldn't call it reckless, sir," Ron said, "I mean we did go in with a plan and all."

Severus cuffed the back of Ron's head, pausing behind the couch.

"Watch yourself, Mr. Weasley," Severus warned. "You are in enough trouble as it is. Your cheek will not be tolerated."

"Sorry, sir."

Severus sighed and moved around the couch, sitting on the arm and looking down at Ron.

"You do realize the amount of danger you and the other three put yourselves in tonight, don't you?"

"Yes, sir. I knew the danger before we even left the dorm."

"One of you could have been killed, one of you nearly died tonight – that could have very easily been you, Mr. Weasley. And what if one of you have died, how would you feel right now?"

Ron gulped and his face paled. He looked down at his bare feet, his slippers resting side by side near the coffee table.

"I didn't know what to do, sir," Ron suddenly said, "when Draco got bit, I mean. He was just . . . lying there and . . . his leg was turning black and . . . the snake tried to eat him, but Hermione and I held tight to his arms. He was in so much pain . . . I . . ."

Severus sighed. He was sure the vents of tonight had left all four children traumatized. He was glad Ron wasn't in tears yet as Hermione had been. He wasn't up for four spells of crying children. Severus reached over and patted Ron's back in the same manner as he did for Hermione.

"I understand tonight has been traumatic," Severus said, "and this is exactly why you children should have returned that necklace or at the very least informed an adult of your findings, don't you think?"

"I guess," Ron muttered.

"No," Severus said sternly, grabbing a hold of Ron's chin and turning the boy's head to face him, meeting his eyes. "There will be no guesses here, do you hear me? What you all did was very dangerous. If any one of you had done the right thing, a lot of pain and trouble could have been avoided. You could have been hurt or even killed tonight. You could have been in Draco's shoes. And what if the basilisk had managed to pull Draco away from you and Miss Granger? Your little quartet would be a trio as we speak."

Ron gulped and nodded against Severus's grip. "I understand."

"Do you?" Severus said, releasing Ron and glaring at the boy. "You are very lucky I will not be informing your parents of this escapade, though they will hear that you were at the very least out of bounds tonight. How do you think they would feel if they knew the whole story? If they knew their son nearly died tonight? What of all your brothers? Your little sister?"

"They'd be upset, sir," Ron said, looking down once more.

"Eyes up," Severus scolded. Ron snapped his head up.

"They would be," Severus agreed. "Mortified at the very idea. Would this adventure have been worth it all, then?"

"No, sir," Ron admitted.

Severus huffed, then stood and pulled the ruler from his sleeve.

"Up with you. It's time for your punishment."

Ron gulped and slowly stood.

"You do understand what you are being punished for, correct?"

"Yes, sir. For my reckless actions and the danger, I put myself in tonight."

Severus nodded. "Lean over the arm of the couch. You may cry, try not to kick back at me, and avoid moving too much out of aim. You will receive twelve smacks with the ruler. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Ron said, doing as he had been told. He knew the drill from his own parents, having been on the receiving end of a few at home. He leaned over the arm of the chair, burying his head in his arms.

Twelve smacks and a softly sobbing Ron later, Severus helped pull Ron to his feet and lead him back to the couch where he laid down on his stomach, turning red at the need to do so. Severus returned the ruler to his sleeve.

"You will remain on this couch and in these quarters until I personally dismiss you in the morning. If you need the restroom, the bathroom is down the hall to your right. Goodnight, Mr. Weasley."

"Goodnight, sir," Ron said, trying to hide the fact that he was rubbing his bottom under the blanket. Severus extinguished the lights and headed to see Draco. He paused outside his study door, leaning against it. He was starting to lose his energy from handing out discipline and lecturing children all night. Two more. Just two more. Severus made a quick detour for the kitchen and poured himself another nightcap, noticing the time as well. Almost two-thirty. He had spent thirty minutes dealing with two children. He really just wanted to get in bed and sleep, but he also didn't want to wake up and have two more kids to spank.

Two more, Severus thought. Just two more.

Severus set his drink down and headed back to his study. He slowly opened the door, noting that Draco was sitting in his chair and slumped over his desk, snoring softly. His wand rested near his head. Severus snorted and tapped the boy's shoulder. He wouldn't bother with any silencers, they were in his study which had good soundproofing and most of the kids should be asleep at this point.

Draco groaned and lifted his head, sleepy eyes staring into Severus's.

"Come, sit up," Severus encouraged, helping Draco stand to his feet so he could sit, then pulling the boy into his lap. He pulled Draco's previously bitten leg up. "Let me see your leg. Does it hurt at all?"

"No, Uncle," Draco yawned then yelped as Severus moved his leg around. "Well, it didn't before when Harry used those tears. I walked here just fine."

"I think that was your adrenaline talking. I believe it's a bit sprained but seems to be working otherwise." Severus allowed Draco to lower his legs as he pulled his godson into a tight hug. "Do you have any idea how close to death you came today?"

"I have a pretty good idea," Draco said, closing his eyes and resting his head against Severus. "I'm sorry for what we did tonight, Uncle, honest."

"Hmm," Severus rested his head against Draco's. "When Sam came flying through here saying Harry needed my vial of phoenix tears and that you were injured, my heart stopped. And then he told me where you and the others were, and I knew exactly what must have happened, though impossibly so. I had no idea what to expect or if we'd be too late. You could have died tonight, Draco."

"I know," Draco said, tears in his eyes. "And I'm sorry. I didn't think things would go so bad. Hermione seemed so sure and Harry was . . ."

"I know they are your friends, but any one of you could have informed an adult of this absurd idea. What were you thinking – agreeing along with this?"

"I don't know, I just wanted to help them. They're really the only real friends I have and I just wanted to make sure they'd all be safe."

"By risking your own life, I see," Severus said, raising an eyebrow at Draco.

"I didn't mean for that to happen."

"You never should have been anywhere near the chamber, young man."

"I know, Uncle. It was the stupidest, most foolish thing I've ever done."

"You could say that again," Severus frowned. He sighed and looked at the clock in his study. He still had one more child to get through and he was really tired. "Since you are familiar with this drill, I think you and I should just skip to the punishment. We can talk more in the morning."

"Aww," Draco groaned but stood. "I was almost eaten, isn't that punishment enough?"

"Almost being eaten is a consequence of your silly escapade. This punishment will help drive the message home."

Draco allowed his godfather to pull him over his knees, turning slightly red as the man pulled his bottoms down. He braced himself for the first smack, wincing when it came. He yelped as eleven more were placed on his bare bottom. Severus pulled the ruler from his sleeve.

"You will get four with this," Severus said, tapping Draco's bottom with it. He felt the boy tense on his lap. He raised the ruler and brought it down four times sharply, earning a loud cry each time. Draco sobbed over his lap, muttering his apologies as Severus fixed the boy's pajamas and lifted him up and back on his lap. Draco wrapped his arms around Severus's neck and cried into his shoulder for a couple minutes, calming himself down from his punishment.

"I hope you learned that not all adventures are worth risking your ability to walk for," Severus said. "And one more thing, try not to let those Gryffindors turn you into a lion, my little snakelet."

Draco nodded into his shoulder. "Never gonna happen."

Severus rubbed his back, glancing at the clock once more.

"We should get you something comfier than a desk, shouldn't we?"

"Do you want me to go to my dorm? It's close."

"No, I don't think so," Severus said, staring intently at his desk. Draco turned his head and watched with a smile as the desk shifted and stretched and folded itself into a twin-size bed in the study, the piled of parchment turning into a mattress and the quills becoming a long throw. Severus picked up a loose feather and gave his wrist a flick, transfiguring it into a pillow. He handed it to Draco.

"I love magic," the boy commented.

"Me too, now get in bed," Severus said, kissing Draco's cheek before pushing the boy off his lap and to the bed. Draco crawled into bed, of course, sleeping on his stomach. Severus once more snuffed the candles and shut his study door. He sighed and leaned against the door once more, summoning his nightcap from the kitchen to finish it before dealing with Harry. He had spent nearly forty-five minutes with the other three children. Harry was most likely asleep. Couldn't he just spank his son and lecture him in the morning? That sounded nice.

A white mist flew through the room and landed at his feet, solidifying into a fox-sized Sam. Severus instantly noticed the missing necklace.

"Where is that horrid thing you wear?" Severus asked, glaring at Severus.

: Hidden, Sam flattened his ears and bared his teeth. Far away from here. And you and I both know had Harry returned that tooth to me as soon as he knew he had it, none of this would have happened. Everyone could have been asleep in bed hours ago.

"I told you to get rid of it," Severus said, walking toward his bedroom, keeping his voice low since Ron was asleep. Sam walked at his heels, his yellow eyes shining in the dark room.

: And you know why I cannot, Sam growled. Now, the children. Are they all soundly punished?

"All but the one I'm about to do now. Why, care to soundly punish them again?"

: I have an idea in mind, Sam smirked up at Severus as they both paused outside his bedroom door. I know this whole incident is off the records, but you wouldn't mind lending the four to me for a few hours, would you? Just so I can make sure they've really learned their lesson?

"Of course not," Severus said, finishing his nightcap and sending the glass flying back to the kitchen. "They're all yours."

Sam's three tails wagged happily as he gave Severus a sly smile before misting and flying off once more. Severus entered his room, pausing to stare at his sleeping son. He checked the time with his wand one last time, groaned, then stepped up to his bed, laying down his wand next to Harry's on the nightstand. He stood at his bedside, smiling down at the peaceful look on his son's face. Ow he hated to do this, but he really just wanted to get this done and over with.

"Harry," Severus whispered, shaking his son's shoulder.

Harry blinked his eyes open, seeing the time first on the small clock on the nightstand before he yawned and blinked blearily up at his father.

"I hate to do this, but we need to get your punishment done with."

"Now?" Harry asked, yawning and rubbing his eyes.

"Yes, now. I certainly don't feel like starting my day smacking your backside. Come on, let's get this over with."

"I'm too tired."

"I'm sure. Fighting a basilisk is no walk through the park."

"I'm sorry about that. We had no idea there was going to be a basilisk. And I didn't steal Sam's tooth."

"No, you didn't," Severus agreed as he pulled Harry to his feet, allowing Harry to balance against him. "But you didn't return it to him either."

"I'm really sorry," Harry said. Severus nodded his head as he sat down on the bed and adjusted Harry at his side. The boy still seemed half-asleep. This wouldn't take long, then they could both retire.

"We'll talk when you're more awake," Severus said, tipping his son over his knees and pulling down the boy's bottoms. He knew Harry woke more when the boy jolted with the first smack. Biting his lip and fighting the weariness he was feeling, Severus quickly laid down twelve hard smacks on Harry's bare bottom before pulling out the ruler. He rubbed Harry's back and said, "you will get four with the ruler, young man."

Harry's loud cries deepened into sobs and Severus had to harden his heart and plant four hard smacks with the ruler. Severus was quick to fix the boy's clothes and stand Harry up, pulling him into a tight embrace to soothe him. He had wanted to hold Harry close since he first heard of where the children were. He squeezed his son warmly.

"I'm really sorry, Dad," Harry said.

"You have no idea how much you scared me," Severus said. "All four of you. Any one of you could have died tonight, do you realize that?"

Harry nodded into his father's shoulder. Severus kissed Harry's temple, then continued rubbing soothing circles on his son's back.

"Everyone probably hates me now," Harry muttered, sneaking a hand back to rub his aching bottom.

"No one hates you," Severus told his son, stopping Harry's hand from rubbing away the punishment, earning a pout from Harry. Severus snorted at the look before giving his son a serious look. "Everyone is concerned about you, as I'm sure you are about them. You all have good, caring hearts. And I'm proud that you did the right thing when Draco ended up hurt on your little escapade. I hope you realize that when something is off limits to you, it is so with good reasoning."

Harry nodded. "I'll never look at that tooth again."

"You've said that before," Severus gave his son a pointed look.

"This time I mean it," Harry said.

"We'll see," Severus smiled, tapping Harry's bottom for assurance. Harry whined, the slight tap hurt his stinging bottom. Severus smirked, then kissed Harry's forehead. He rested their foreheads together, feeling the exhaustion of dealing out four smackings and dealing with emotional adolescents catch up to him. "We can discuss the rest of your punishment in the morning. For now, you and I are both tired."

"What do you mean the rest of my punishment?" Harry frowned.

"Tomorrow," Severus insisted, lifting and depositing Harry on the large king-sized bed. He walked over to his wardrobe and pulled off his robe, hanging it on a knob.

"I thought we weren't having detention or anything," his son pestered.

"You're not," Severus yawned, walking back to his bed and shoving Harry over as he settled in bed himself. He closed his eyes. "Sam would like to instill some discipline in you children himself. I'm allowing him."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, having the audacity to crawl to Severus's side and shake his shoulder lightly. "What is he going to do? He's not going to burn us all alive, is he?"

"I guess you'll just have to find out. Now go to sleep. It's been a long night for you."

"I can't. My bum hurts and my head is paranoid."

Severus snorted, offering a small smile. He ignored his son staring down at him, choosing to keep his eyes closed and show the boy he wasn't giving in. Harry sighed and curled up against him, resting his head against Severus's shoulder. Severus smiled and wrapped an arm around his son, sneaking one last kiss to the boy's head.

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