[TW: Disciplinary spanking and non-consensual consent] This is not a slash fic per say, but it does have spanking as the main focal point. I strongly advise that you read the disclaimer in my bio prior to reading this fiction to see if this story might be a good read for you.

Author's notes: regarding the setting for this fic, please see the introductory notes at the beginning of chapter 1. Mention of spanking in this chapter.

Chapter 4: Last Chance

The sun set over Hogwarts, casting soft lavender and pink hues across the spring sky, gently illuminating the wreckage scattered about the castle grounds. Harry wrapped his jacket tightly around his chest and quickened his pace toward the wrecked castle grounds. Much had transpired since the morning talk and...demonstration he'd had with Professor Snape.

Despite the profound embarrassment of the 'discipline trial run,' an inexplicable force compelled Harry to invite Snape to stay in the garden with him. They spent time discussing Snape's residence and peculiar interests, uncovering surprising common ground amidst awkward moments and Snape's trademark sarcasm. As they parted ways, Harry found himself more confused than ever. At his age, the notion of yielding to any form of 'discipline' held little allure. In all honesty, the morning's rather physical demonstration had nearly convinced him to reject the idea of living with Snape altogether. However, Snape's simple act of patting his back had a surprising effect, causing his determination to waver and leaving behind a strangely comforting feeling.

Then there was Snape's home, intriguing despite the professor's attempts to downplay it. Harry had a lot to consider. In fact, he'd spent half the day wishing for more time.

As he hurried through the corridors of the ruined castle though, his resolve solidified. Even if this decision altered the entire course of his life, for better or worse, he was certain this was a choice he had to make.

The sound of McGonagall's quill scratching across thin paper filled the Headmistress's office. She glanced up at Snape, who had been quietly pacing the circular room, pausing only ever so often to gaze out the soot-stained window.

"Feeling rather nervous, Severus?" she asked softly, meeting his eyes with her characteristically sharp gaze.

Snape scoffed and removed his hands from their clasped position behind his back.

"Hardly," he replied, his voice low.

"And if you are," McGonagall began, with a look in her eye that cut through his facade, "why might that be?"

Snape hummed as he walked slowly toward her desk, "If I appear to you as nervous, which, I may remind you, I certainly am not," he gave her a pointed look in response to her knowing smile, "it is merely concern for the task of finding Potter a new living arrangement."

"Severus, we—"

McGonagall halted her words as a knowing voice interjected itself over them, startling both Snape and herself.

"Pulling the offer off the table so soon, Professor Snape?" Harry asked, stifling the urge to snicker at the little jump the pair did in response.

McGonagall dropped her quill on the paper below as she turned to level the boy with a stern gaze.

"Exactly how long have you been standing over there, Mr. Potter?" She asked, her voice coming out clear and stern as she adjusted her large-brimmed hat.

"Not long," Harry lied, giving her an apologetic smile.

Snape strode over to the young wizard, his long black robes billowing gracefully behind him, like a shadowy cloak in motion.

"Is that so?" He asked, peering down at the boy, his tone menacingly low.

"Hmm-hmm," Harry replied, though the way he averted his eyes told the potions master a different story.

Snape narrowed his gaze as he stepped forward another pace, effectively closing the distance between himself and Harry.

He bent down slightly, his tone dripping with cynicism as he whispered, "Have you so soon abandoned the memory of my displeasure with interruptions, Potter? All the while conveniently ignoring my loathing for dishonesty?"

Harry swallowed hard and looked at the ground, "Um, well no. I just—"

"Gentlemen," McGonagall interjected in her no-nonsense tone, "you may finish this discussion of yours at another time. Come join me over here." She motioned to the circular seating by the fireplace.

Snape turned, casting McGonagall an irritated glance. Meanwhile, Harry sighed with relief as he quickly attempted to maneuver past the professor. He didn't get far, though, as Snape reached out and effectively latched onto his bicep.

He bent down low to the young wizard's ear, walking next to the boy while whispering sternly, "Do not for a moment think we have concluded this conversation, Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded in response, stifling a whine as Snape gave his bicep a hard, reprimanding squeeze.

"Yes, sir." Harry replied back, his tone a little louder as he remembered Snape's need for 'audible' responses.

Snape nodded, sighing as he released his grip on the boy's arm. Harry quickly took a seat next to McGonagall as he worked to hide his blush from both of his former professors.

Snape gracefully adjusted his silky black robes before taking a seat as well, giving McGonagall an exasperated look.

"Now," McGonagall began, her gaze shifting naturally between the pair.

"Harry, I presume you are here to give us your decision about living with Professor Snape?" She said, looking at the young wizard expectantly.

Harry glanced up, meeting her gaze with determination. "Yes, I am."

"A little more respect in the way you address the Headmistress is warranted, Potter." Snape interjected rather harshly, his trepidation about the boy's response growing within his chest.

McGonagall lowered her head in Snape's direction, giving him another pointed look. "It's quite alright, Severus."

She glanced back to Harry, "What are your thoughts, young man?"

Harry swallowed, his heart rate quickening. He licked his lips nervously, sitting up straighter in his chair.

"Well," he said, glancing over at Snape, "I know we haven't exactly been…close. But, you've done so much for me over the last seven years. Things I didn't even know about..." Harry's voice trailed off as he dropped his gaze, overwhelmed by an unexpected swell of emotion.

Snape remained silent, but his nod towards Harry revealed a subtle softening in the usual stoic demeanor. McGonagall also nodded, giving the boy a small encouraging smile as he glanced up at her.

Harry cleared his throat as he regained his emotions, "Maybe it won't work and we'll be back in here in a week, but I'd like to see where it goes and accept the offer for now."

McGonagall beamed, smiling warmly at Harry. "That is wonderful, young man." She said happily as she reached over to give Harry's shoulder a loving squeeze.

"Severus?" She asked, turning her gaze to him. "Your input, if you please."

"Yes, well," Snape began, his usually calm and collected tone now tinged with a hint of nervousness. He leaned slightly forward in his chair, his dark eyes fixed on Harry, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. "Are you absolutely certain about this, Potter? Your agreement constitutes an acceptance of all the stipulations we discussed prior, and it's not a decision to be taken lightly."

Harry swallowed his own nervousness at the thought of Snape's disciplinary method, but his determination to grow closer to his former potions professor, after knowing the sacrifices he'd made for not only himself but his mum, overrode it.

"Yes, I'm sure, Professor."

"Very well," Snape said with a nod, his voice steadying as he accepted Harry's decision. "I trust you understand the gravity of this arrangement, Potter. We will proceed prudently, and should you find it untenable, there will be no shame in admitting so."

Harry nodded, "Thank you." He said genuinely before glancing away to return his gaze to McGonagall.

"Excellent!" McGonagall said in a warm and proud tone. "Severus, when do you plan on departing? I trust you know there is no rush."

Harry turned to face his new host, silently hoping for a little rush.

Snape, with his customary air of aloofness, cast a sidelong glance at Harry. "What are your thoughts, young man? I would hate to deprive you of your adventures with the Gamekeeper and his loyal hound too soon." He remarked quietly, his sarcasm clearly seeping through.

Harry blinked, momentarily taken aback by Snape's dry humor. He couldn't help but chuckle as he replied, "Well, Professor, I have a feeling those adventures can wait till I return. Hagrid, as great as he is, sounds like a freight train at night."

McGonagall laughed softly, a warm twinkle in her eyes, and his comment even drew a rare wry smile from Snape too. A subtle curl of his lips betrayed the slightest hint of amusement as he said, "Very well, Potter. If you care to gather your things, we will leave tomorrow afternoon."

Snape turned to the Headmistress and leveled her with an unmistakable look, "Thank you, Minerva, for your assistance in this matter."

McGonagall caught on to the emotions in Snape's unspoken glare and smiled mischievously in return, "But of course, Severus, I am always happy to assist you."

Snape failed to repress a scoff as the three of them stood up.

"Yeah, thanks, Professor," Harry smiled at McGonagall, "I guess I'll head back down to Hagrid's now and fill him in."

Harry turned to walk away but was taken by surprise as Snape reached out, effectively grabbing his wrist. "Not so quick, Potter. We still have your little habit of interrupting and eavesdropping to discuss."

Something about the way Snape enunciated the word 'discuss' sent immediate shivers down Harry's spine.

"Um, right now?" Harry asked, his voice came out laced with notable nervousness. He suddenly blanched at the terrifying thought that Snape might just spank him there in front of McGonagall.

"Indeed, now." Snape leveled the young wizard with a resolute gaze, causing Harry to inhale sharply.

"However, not here," He finished after a moment of suspense, causing Harry to breathe a sigh of relief as Snape turned to face McGonagall.

"We will retire briefly to my classroom," Snape continued, "providing that is acceptable to you, Minerva?" McGonagall cast Harry a sympathetic look, her eyes reflecting her understanding of what was in store for him.

"That will be fine, Severus," McGonagall conceded, "As the semester is not in session, the rules of Harry's house discipline, falling solely under my purview, do not apply now."

Maybe this was a mistake, Harry thought as his stomach began to do flip-flops in anticipation. They weren't even back to Snape's house yet, and he was already in for it.

Snape nodded respectfully at the Headmistress, bowing ever so slightly as he took his leave. He released Harry's wrist and motioned for the young wizard to follow.

"Come along, Potter."

Author's notes: Now that we've covered much of the exposition, you can expect the pace to pick up quicker as it does in this chapter. I'm sure you've noticed I'm a bit of a slut for lengthy descriptions, but chapters like this one require less time to write and less time to read (which I'd like to think is better for all of us). Thank you for continuing to follow along! More to come soon.