Chapter Twelve: Lights and Monsters

A/N I do not own harry potter nor do I get paid to wright this also I adopting this story from Severus Addicted with their permission so the first 12 chapters are from Severus Addicted.

Harry tumbled out of the fireplace and landed face first on the living room floor. Eli giggled softly and gently helped him stand up.

Remus glanced around the living room to see if he could find Severus, but he wasn't there.

Eli smiled happily and gave a little bounce. "Maybe he's still sleeping."

Remus shook his head. "Eli, even if he is still sleeping he will still find out about this little journey you two made. That was very dangerous of you two to go out into those woods in the middle of the night."

"You're right Lupin, it was very dangerous of them. Thank you for bringing them home for me." Severus said from the living room doorway.

All three turned in surprise.

"We can explain, dad." Eli said softly.

Severus crossed his arms over his chest and said in a stern tone, "Oh and you will, Eli Avian. Both of you go to your rooms immediately. We will speak of this in the morning."

Harry lowered his eyes to the floor and slowly followed Eli out of the room.

Severus sighed and rubbed his hand across his face, "Thank you again, Lupin. I was just about to go outside to look for them when I heard someone fall on the floor in here."

Remus nodded his head, "You are welcome, Severus. It was my son who found them in the woods, I simply brought them here for you. I still have to speak to Damian about why he was in the woods in the first place, but that can wait until the morning."

Severus nodded his head, "Isn't Damian Harry and Eli's age?"

"Yes, he's eight years old." Remus said with a soft smile.

"Please have a seat, Lupin." Severus indicated with his hand the couch as he sat down in his chair.

Remus shook his head, "Thank you but I better be getting back home, Severus."

Severus stood from his chair and shook Remus' hand, "Alright, thank you again."

Remus gave him a smile as he said, " welcome." With that he turned and left in a green flame.

Severus sighed and made his way up the stairs to check on his two boys before heading to bed himself.

Harry rolled over for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. Harry huffed in frustration at not being able to fall asleep.

A tear rolled down his cheek as he thought about earlier, 'Dad probably hates me now and wishes he never adopted me... I wouldn't blame him either if he did. I'd deserve it... Maybe he'll take me back to my relative's house, that's where I deserve to be. in Hell.'

Harry jumped in fright at the feeling of something slithering up his stomach but when he noticed Lysander's head poke out from underneath the blankets he calmed down slightly.

"What'ssss wrong, Harry?" Lysander asked him softly as he curled in a ball on his chest.

Harry sighed sadly and said, "Eli and I went for a walk earlier in the woodsss and now dad is angry at ussss."

Lysander gave him a tiny nod and said in understanding, "And you're afraid he hatessss you?"

Harry left out a sob as he nodded his head, "He probably doesss! I wouldn't blame him either..."

Lysander shook his head in denial at that statement, "I don't think Ssseverusss hatesss you, Harry."

Tears streamed down Harry's cheeks as he shook his head, "I'd deserve it if he did..."

Lysander shook his head as a tear landed on him, "No one deservessss to be hated, Harry. No matter what you do, I doubt Ssseverusss would ever hate you."

Harry sniffled and rubbed the tears away from his wet cheeks, "A-are you sssure?"

Lysander nodded his head, "He lovesss you, Harry. He doesn't hate you."

Harry gave his little green pet snake a small smile, "Thankssss, Lysander."

Lysander just nodded his head then curled back up in a ball on Harry's chest and fell asleep.

Harry sighed softly and closed his eyes, in a minute he was fast asleep.

Harry awoke to the smell of bacon being cooked on the oven downstairs. Harry smiled softly and swung his legs over the side of his bed. His smile slowly disappeared as the memory of last night hit him full force. With a sad sigh Harry shook his head and curled back up into a ball on his bed.

Suddenly a soft popping sound came from the edge of Harry's bed. Harry slowly looked over to see what happened now. To his surprise Maggie, the house elf, was standing beside his bed tapping her foot on the floor and glancing at her clock like the most impatient lady Harry had ever seen. It was almost as bad as when Hermione gets frustrated with Ron and himself when they wait until last minute to do all their essays and homework, and that's saying something!

"Young Mr. Snape you are late

an orange t- for breakfast. Get out of bed immediately, you are not to sleep the day away, child." Maggie huffed then snapped her fingers making Harry's blankets disappear, "If you hadn't stayed up all night you wouldn't still be in bed, now would you? Come, they are waiting for you."

Harry threw her an irritated glance as he swung his feet off the bed.

"Hurry up, Mr. Snape!" Maggie snapped in frustration.

Harry spun around to glare at her, "Would you shut up? For God's sake... I didn't sleep the day away, it's only 9 in the morning!"

Maggie glared angrily at Harry and said, "Master Snape would not be happy with you if he found out you spoke to me in that manner, young Mr. Snape."

Harry rolled his eyes as he pulled on shirt, "Let's add it to the list..."

Maggie sighed and handed him a pair of trousers, "Everything is going to be alright, young Mr. Snape, really it is."

All Harry did to reply was throw her a doubtful glance, "Why am I even going to breakfast anyway?" Harry asked as he opened his bedroom door.

"Because it is the rules. now go!" Maggie snapped her fingers making Harry jump in surprise at the stinging sensation he felt in his backside.

Harry turned to glare at the annoying house elf but she was nowhere to be seen. With a sigh Harry slowly made his trip to the kitchen.

As soon as Harry turned into the kitchen he heard Severus say in a silky voice, "It's about time you get up, Sleepy Head."

Harry glanced over at him and noticed he was smiling at him... This was not right. Nothing seemed right... Does he not remember last night? Obviously not if he gets to eat AND he's smiling at him... 'Someone pinch me...' Harry thought as he glanced around the table. Eli was digging into his breakfast as if nothing happened last night. Did something happen or was he just dreaming it?

"Well, are you just going to stand there or are you going to sit down and eat your breakfast, child?" Severus asked him as he began putting a couple pieces of bacon on a plate for himself.

Harry slowly lowered himself in a seat farthest away from Severus and Eli just in case Severus suddenly remembered last night's events and stood to yell at him, he'd at least be a few seats away from the towering man...

Harry timidly grabbed his fork and got two pieces of bacon then slowly began to eat them.

Suddenly Severus stood, making Harry flinch and push his plate away. But instead of being smacked upside the head and being called stupid, Severus simply grabbed his plate and put a few more pieces of bacon on it and a pancake, "Eat, Harry." With that said he sat back down in his seat and continued eating his breakfast.

With a soft sigh Harry did as he was told and ended up not even being able to finish half of his pancake. Harry pushed his plate away from him and glanced at Severus and Eli. Eli was still eating and Severus was nursing a cup of hot tea. Not knowing what to do, Harry simply stared at his hands on the table.

With a sigh Severus stood and moved to the seat next to Harry's, once he was seated he asked in a very calming voice, "Child, what's wrong? Is this because of last night?"

So he did remember last night's horrid events... Then why was he being so nice to them then? Harry slowly nodded his head but refused to look at his adoptive father's face... He wouldn't be able to stand the look Severus probably wore at the moment of the remembrance of last night.

It's probably a good thing Harry had not looked at Severus' face because at that moment a flash of hurt ran through his dark eyes, "Harry... Just because you and Eli misbehaved last night does not mean I am going to withhold your meals. Do you understand, Harry?"

Harry glanced over at Severus just to make sure he was telling the truth, "But... My relatives-"

"Were wrong." Severus cut in before Harry could finish that sentence, "Only Monster's withhold children's meals. I am not a Monster." Severus pushed the tears that were daring to fall away when he asked in a hushed tone, "You don't think I'm a Monster do you?"

Harry lowered his emerald eyes back to the table and sighed, "I know you're not a Monster... You're more like a Light." When he glanced up and saw Severus' confused expression Harry said, "You know. A light at the end of a spooky tunnel. Your light scared away the Monsters... You are no monster to me." Harry offered Severus a soft smile when he finished saying this.

Suddenly a tear rolled down Severus' pale cheek as he smiled at Harry. "Good. you don't need another Monster in your story."

"My story?" Harry asked in confusion.

Severus nodded his head, "Yes, your story. Everyone has a story. Their story is their life. What happens in your life and what you have learned are like chapters in your story. every day you add another chapter."

"Wow... That's going to be a BIG book."

Severus chuckled and nodded his head, "Indeed." After a few minutes of silence Severus looked down the table to see if Eli was finally finished with his breakfast. he was. "Alright boys, head on into the living room we need to discuss last night's events."

Eli paled slightly at the remembrance of last night but still he stood and headed in the direction of the living room like he was instructed to do, "Come on, Harry." Eli said when he reached the kitchen doorway.

Harry sighed softly but stood and began to follow Eli into the living room where they sat on the couch and waited for Severus to arrive.

Eli glanced over at Harry and whispered so Severus wouldn't hear him and scold him for talking, "I'm sorry, Harry..."

Harry looked over at him in confusion, "Why?" Suddenly Eli made an annoying "shhh" noise and roughly put his finger to his lips, Harry quickly looked up to make sure Severus hadn't heard. he wasn't at the door so that was a good thing. "Sorry." Harry whispered.

Eli sighed and replied, "Because it was my idea to go for a walk..."

Harry shrugged his shoulders, still confused about why Eli would be apologizing to him, "So?"

Eli looked as if he was getting frustrated but he held it in and whispered, "So, we wouldn't be in trouble if I hadn't given that idea..."

Harry sighed softly and gave Eli a quick hug, "This isn't only your fault, Eli. I could have said 'no' but I didn't. it's as much your fault as it is mine so don't you dare try to take all the blame, 'kay?"

Eli smiled softly and nodded his head, "Thanks, Little Brother."

This title made Harry smile a big cheesy smile, "Anytime, Big Brother."

Suddenly a voice came from the living room doorway making the boys jump in surprise, "Now that you two have that issue fixed I believe it is time to start."

Eli looked over at his father and asked softly, "How long have you been there?"

Severus entered the room completely and pulled a chair over so he could sit in front of them, "After you made that noise to quiet Harry, Eli. I figured you two needed to get that sorted out before we began our conversation. Harry was right, Eli, this is not completely your fault. It is as much his fault as it is your fault."

Eli nodded his head in understanding, "I know that now... Thanks."

Severus inclined his head then brought his hands together to show that they were going to start, "So, what made you two to decide that you wanted to go for a nightly stroll in the woods?"

Eli sighed and played with the hem of his shirt as he responded with a soft, "I couldn't sleep."

Severus looked over at Harry for his answer. Harry was staring at the floor as if it were the most amazing thing in the world, "Harry?"

"I couldn't sleep either..." Harry whispered and continued to stare at the floor.

Severus sighed lightly and pulled his chair closer to them so his knees were touching theirs, "And that gave you reason to go outside at night without my acknowledgment?"

Eli continued to play with the hem of his shirt as he mumbled, "Well... No, I guess not..."

Harry remained silent, he didn't know what to say...

Severus glanced over at Harry to see if he had anything to say to that, "I take it you agree with Eli, Harry?" Severus asked his youngest son.

Harry slowly nodded his head in agreement, "Yea, I do..." Harry answered softly.

Severus gave a firm nod of his head, "You're right, it did not give you reason to leave the house in the dead of night without my knowing where you were." Once he left that sink in he continued, "Alright then, let's get this over with shall we? Eli go to your room and sit on your bed, I will send Maggie to get you when I am ready for you. Do not even think about getting up off that bed either young man or I will know. Now go."

Eli slowly stood from the couch and began making his way up the stairs to his bedroom, "Dang house elf is a tattle tale..." Eli muttered as he closed his bedroom door and sat on his bed.

Once Severus heard Eli's bedroom door close he turned to Harry and said in a calming tone, "Now, Harry, what do you think you could have done instead of going outside last night?"

Harry stared a hole into the floor as he played with his fingers. Severus sighed and grabbed his hands with one hand and lifted his face with his other, "Harry."

Harry stopped moving his fingers and with great difficulty moved his gaze to land on his father's dark eyes. With a sigh Harry answered Severus' question in a quiet voice, "I-I could have stayed in bed..."

Severus gave a slow nod of his head then said, "What else could you have done?"

Harry sighed and shrugged his shoulders. Slowly he lowered his gaze back to the floor only to have Severus put his finger under his chin and move it back up. "I don't know..." Harry mumbled.

Severus tapped Harry's head and gave a nod as if to tell him to think about it, then he leaned back against his chair and waited for Harry to think of the answer he wanted him to say.

'What could I have done?... I could have... OH I could have used my imagination and thought of something... No...' Suddenly Harry had an idea and he looked up to see Severus staring at him waiting for an answer, "I could have.. Come to you?" Harry asked timidly.

Severus smiled proudly and nodded his head, "Yes, if you ever need me come to me. If you are just bored, come to me. If you can't sleep, come to me. If you're sad, come to me. No matter what, I will always be here for you. always. Do you understand, Harry?"

Harry nodded his head and gave him a smile, "Anytime?"

Severus took a hold of Harry's hands and looked him in his emerald eyes then said, "Anytime. It doesn't matter if I am in the middle of a class that I am teaching, it doesn't matter if I am in an important meeting, it doesn't matter if I am a thousand miles away, Harry, you call me and I will come to you."

Tears appeared in Harry's eyes as he listened, "I understand..." Harry whispered.

Severus gave a firm nod of his head as he said, "Good."

Harry glanced at the floor and swallowed nervously, once he found his voice he asked, "Am I in trouble, Dad?"

Severus nodded his head, "Yes, child, you are in trouble."

Sadly, Harry lowered his gaze back to the same spot he was staring at earlier.

Severus sighed and moved Harry's gaze back up again, "Eli is in trouble as well, Harry. Now, would it be fair if Eli got in trouble and you didn't?"

Slowly, Harry shook his head in denial, "No, I guess not..."

"You guess not, or do you know it wouldn't be fair?" Severus pushed patiently.

"I know it wouldn't be fair..." Harry whispered.

Severus nodded his head, "Good. Now I am going to explain to you how I punish Eli, this is how I will be punishing you as well, okay?" Once he saw Harry nod his head he continued, "I believe in Corporal Punishment, do you know what that is, Harry?" Severus asked softly.

Slowly Harry nodded his head.

"What is it, Harry?" Severus wanted to make sure Harry knew for sure what it meant and not the lies his relatives told him.

Harry blushed lightly and moved his attention back to the floor once again.

Severus once again moved Harry's chin so he was staring back up at him, "Stop looking at the floor, child, I'm only going to keep moving your chin back up so you are looking at me." After Harry nodded he continued, "Please answer my question, Harry."

Harry huffed and said in a murmured voice, "It's like- Please don't make me explain it!"

Severus smirked and said, "Fine then I will tell you just in case you have the wrong answer." A deeper blush formed on Harry's cheeks but he continued, "Corporal Punishment is when you are punished by being spanked. usually by just a hand of the guardian but some guardians like to use other objects to get the point across. for an example, some guardians may use a spoon, slipper, switch, paddle, and some other guardians may use a belt." Severus noticed the flinch Harry made after he said the last one so he quickly said, "But I will never use the belt on either of you, I do not agree with that form of punishment. I believe it is too harsh of a punishment for a child." Severus sighed in relief when he noticed Harry's shoulders relax once again. Severus continued, "Do not be embarrassed by this, Harry, basically every parent or guardian in the Wizarding World uses this form of punishment. Corporal Punishment is widely known in the Wizarding World so you are not the only one." Severus assured Harry making him relax even more and the blush slowly fade.

Harry nodded his head, "I knew that, you didn't have to explain it..." Harry mumbled still slightly embarrassed by the subject.

Severus smirked at him and said, "If you think this conversation is embarrassing just wait until you are a little older and I'll give you the-"

"STOP!" Harry screamed and covered his ears, "Don't say another word!"

Severus chuckled and watched as Harry had a fit over just the mention of it.

"I think I'm going to be sick..." Harry mumbled in disgust.

Severus couldn't help it anymore and he started to laugh out loud, "Well, how you do think you arrived in this world if you don't wanna know about-"

"I don't know and I don't care! Just stop! You're going to give me nightmares..." Harry said sadly.

Severus chuckled and shook his head.

Once Harry was finished freaking out and Severus was no longer laughing at his son's embarrassment Severus continued on with the conversation, "Do you have any questions, Harry?"

Nervously Harry nodded his head and mumbled, "What are you going to use?"

"I am only going to use my hand, alright child?" Severus asked softly.

Slowly, Harry nodded his head.

Severus gave a firm nod of his head then said, "Alright, let's get this over with then, shall we?"

Eli sighed as he stared up at his ceiling, "I'M SOOO BORED!" Eli groaned as if he was being tortured to death. Suddenly he remembered he had a Quidditch magazine on his dresser, with a smile of relief he stood and grabbed the magazine. No sooner had he grabbed the magazine he heard a popping sound which meant Maggie arrived. With a groan Eli turned, "What do you want?"

Maggie glared at him and replied, "First of all you are disobeying the rules by getting off your bed, shall I inform your father?"

Eli paled at the thought and quickly shook his head in denial, "NO! Please don't, Maggie."

Maggie pointed to the bed with a firm finger, "Then get your behind on that bed immediately."

With a sigh Eli did as he was told, "I only wanted to get my magazine..."

Maggie sighed and shook her head, "It is called a punishment for a reason, Young Mr. Snape. You are not supposed to be entertaining yourself. that is why you were supposed to remain seated on your bed until told otherwise."

Eli sighed heavily, "I'm sorry..."

Maggie gave a firm nod of her head then said, "I will let it go this time but if you get off your bed one more time Young Mr. Snape then you will have myself and your father to deal with. Understand?"

Eli quickly nodded his head to show he understood and with that she disappeared with a pop. Eli sighed in relief. nothing is like having a house elf as a nanny... Or at least she sure does act like a nanny. that's what Eli always thought of her anyway.