My Beloved Child-Chapter 5
Warning: Swats of a teenager
Author's note: Sorry for the long flashback. It's really not that long I just type slow so I post shorter chapters. I also want to show how the relationship gradually progresses from indifference to a mutually shared affection. This whole story will span approximately 2 years. No slash just a few parent/child moments and how they came to be and something else. JK Rowling never seemed to go into much detail about Sev and Albus until much later. Then it is hard to see if Severus was ever cared about by Dumbledore or if Dumbledore was just this manipulative old man who didn't care whom he hurt as long as the greater good was up held. What do you all think? I look forward to seeing the movie version of the Half-Blood Prince in November.
"Severus Tobias Snape, you set one toe out of that bed and I will cast a full body bind and confiscate your wand!" the mediwitch threatened as her patient tried to rise.
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Severus froze as Madame Pomfrey entered his room looking like a women possessed. He hurt all over but he wasn't about to let on to her. Otherwise his chances of escaping the hospital wing before Christmas would be nil. He sometimes wondered what the medi witch would do if she didn't have students to fuss over. She was more like an overanxious nanny with her first charge! Perhaps the children here didn't mind her overbearing care, but he was an adult. He certainly didn't need to be coddled like an infant, he was of age now-Ha-let her try to keep him!
He pulled himself up into a sitting position gingerly in bed before attempting to speak. He also discreetly slipped his wand and his "gift" beneath his pillow. It was an old habit he had become accustomed to from his years living with his father. If his father thought he prized something he would have gone out of his way to destroy it.
Perhaps he could plead his case with the headmaster better than Poppy. From the sympathetic looks he was getting from Albus he may be able to persuade him to allow him back to his quarters where no one would care if he slept, ate, drank and yes even peed at regular intervals.
"Ah, Severus, my dear boy it is so good to see you finally awake." the headmaster said coming to a stop beside an annoyed healer.
'What am I doing here? The last place I remember is your office, sir" he asked quietly while twirling a loose thread on his pajama top feeling self -conscious. The two of them staring at him made him feel like a fish in a glass bowl.
"You passed out from blood loss so I brought you here," the older wizard explained.
"Well, sir I feel immensely better and I do have a fair amount of grading to accomplish…" Please let him believe that tale, Severus wished desperately.
"Don't think you are fooling me, Mr. Snape, I see those gears turning in your mind. You are not setting foot out of this room or that bed for a minimum of forty-eight hours." the mediiwitch took a step closer and wagged her finger at her patient. " And if I have my way a solid week would be all the better for you."
"I think not Madame Pomfrey, I am a professor not a student. I do not require your assistance," Severus countered as he swung his feet off the bed, all the while glowering at the woman.
Trying to avoid a battle of wills that would rival the Goblin Wars, Albus interjected, "Perhaps a compromise is in order."
"Poppy, I know you would willingly cancel your trip to visit your sister tomorrow to care for Severus here," he gave a disapproving frown as the boy opened his mouth to speak. "And I am certain Severus would appreciate your kindness."
"Well, I wouldn't be going at all but all three of my young nephews have come down with Dragon Pox, and my sister is in dire need of help. But Severus is in need of care also and I will not shirk my responsibilities to him either, " she sighed.
"With classes out for Easter, I will have a lull in my normal duties as headmaster. Therefore, I will ensure that Severus receives a proper rest. He can be moved to my quarters- "
"Are you mad! I do not need a bloody keeper! I shan't agree to this-" the younger wizard had angrily rose to his feet in protest, ignoring the shoot pain in his ribs.
"You, young man, will mind you language! You are in no condition to be dictating demands, now sit down!" the elder wizard closed the distance between himself and the wayward youth. When the boy made no move to obey, his left hand shot out tugging the child closer as his right palm landed with a loud thwack across his green clad backside.
Severus gasped involuntarily at the sting that single swat had caused and blushed furiously knowing Poppy had seen him get swatted like a naughty child. How in the world would he ever convince her to not treat him like a child now! He found his voice to protest, all the while trying to twist his arm free. "You can't do that to me I am of age! Damn you bastard! Let GO OF ME!"
"Poppy, if you would excuse us for a moment…Severus and I have to discuss some …things." the headmaster said as he held tight to the wriggling youth.
"Certainly, headmaster." Poppy turned, but paused as she shut the door, "Albus please remember he is injured."
"Not to worry, Madame, I will merely impress upon Severus the wisdom of following my advice." he smiled innocently.
"Now, young man, you will listen and not interrupt until I ask you a direct question, Understood?" the elder wizard glared as he tightened his grip. Severus gave an angry nod at the increased pressure.
" First, you will be coming to my chambers as you are not capable of looking after yourself just now-"
"No! OWW!" Another much harder swat joined the first, causing the youth to reach a hand back to rub the sting away as he glared daggers at the old man.
"I warned you not to interrupt, I am sure you would rather have my hospitality over Madame Pomfreys' hospital wing, Am I correct?" the older man gave him a pointed look.
A yes was mumbled reluctantly as the boy dropped his eyes and his shoulders drooped.
"Good, Second, I Do NOT appreciate being lied to I expect the full truth from you at all times, otherwise you will not enjoy the consequences." he admonished sternly.
Severus took a deep breath to stem the argument welling inside him. The room was tingling with the magical aura of the wizard before him. The power swirling around would have been frightening to anyone else, but not to a rebellious teenager. "Consequences my arse! He could stuff himself. The first chance I get and I am out of there. And not before I hex all his hideously colorful robes black!"
The headmaster observed the boy was practically seething before him. He had to rein in that anger as the child was barely standing; he was so weak. A little guilt would help bring the boy down.
"Next, you will be mindful of your language and attitude to your elders. I'll not have one of mine being disrespectful, especially in front of a women who dearly cares for you. Madame Pomfrey deserves an apology and you will deliver one. Whatever would your mother have thought had she heard you? The headmaster scolded again.
Severus' eyes shot up at the mention of his mother. He would have never spoken that way in front of her. Mum would have swatted him too or cast a mouth cleansing spell on him at least. He frowned hanging his head in shame as he remembered all the medi-witch had done for him. Poppy had been kind to him in many ways and he realized he was not always grateful. Among other things, she had allowed him to stay a full extra day in the safety of the infirmary when the Marauders were being especially nasty during his third year. She had not even questioned his excuses only…protected him.
Seeing the boy deflate before his eyes he pushed him down to sit on the bed. As if on queue a brief knock was heard as Poppy reentered the room carrying a tray of what looked to be soup and a pain potion. Now he would be made to eat, could this day get any worse the Potion Master wondered.
Little did he know how worse it was going to be until Dumbledore came to retrieve him after dinner. He actually carried him through the floo like some toddler after he was given the potion so he had no hope of objecting.
Yet, that was not the worst of it!
To be continued…