[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.
Chapter 23: Daring Demonstration
"Come in here, Harry." Snape said from the back of the walk-in pantry. He was burying through a few glass jars of spices resulting in little clinks filling the small space.
Harry stepped into the pantry a second later, his shoulders a bit tense. Upon clearing the entryway, Snape withdrew his wand and cast a silencing charm over them.
"Why— um, what was that for, sir?" Harry asked, more than a tinge of nervousness gripping him as Snape looked down.
"I'm going to ask you a question and I expect the utmost honesty. Did Draco refuse to assist you in collecting the Dittany?"
Harry took in a little breath, as much as he loathed Draco with every little fiber of his being, the idea of ratting him out to Snape felt… a bit bad. Plus, it may prove to be more trouble for him too.
"Well," Harry glanced up at the organized dry ingredients, "he put the shears away for me."
Snape's brows knit in a tight line. "Then the correct answer to my inquiry would be, he refused, yes?"
Harry swallowed, considering his response. "He came over, but I sort of just started doing it."
Snape raised his brows up and a short, tense pause hung in the air.
"Are you meaning to tell me that you disobeyed my explicit instructions? Then lied to me when I asked if you both collected the Dittany?"
Harry felt like he'd lost the feeling in his legs as he sucked in a sharp breath. Wait, oh no.
"N-no, well, er, not intentionally. We were just chatting about… everything. I just sort of did it naturally but we were in there together, so I figured that meant we collected it together if we both handed you some. I didn't think we had to actually both participate in the cutting part."
"No?" Snape said, his tone coming out impeccably sharp.
Harry swallowed, bloody hell, if this somehow turned into him getting the strap for disobedience, he would kill Draco.
"I'm sorry, sir. It's been, uh, well, a lot has gone on since we last spoke, so we were caught up in conversation." Harry tried, that much was true, though he kept the boiling anger and hurled insults Draco had thrown out to himself.
Snape hummed low, turning to collect a glass jar of dried sage leaves. He had assigned the boys a task to gauge their ability to complete it, offering them an opportunity to demonstrate a semblance of maturity. Yet, the looks on the pair proved to him the minute they stepped through the door that neither of them had obeyed or behaved civilly. Draco had been warned too many times to reconcile and he was now out of opportunities.
"I presume the conversation was cordial and reflective of the maturity you both should possess now." Snape added, glancing over unconvincingly to Harry.
Harry took a little breath and glanced down at the clinking glass jars beneath Snape's potion-stained fingers.
"For us it was cordial." Harry tried, earning a glare from Snape.
"I explicitly told you no arguments. I will remind you once more, if one ensues you will wish to stand for the evening meal tonight."
Harry felt a jolt of trepidation shoot through the center of his stomach. He had done so well last week, he certainly did not want to be spanked again, especially with the potion theft and the subsequent smacking he was sure to face for that at the forefront of his mind. Fighting with Draco was the last thing he needed on his plate.
"I understand, sir. I'm trying."
Despite not wanting to entirely throw Draco under the bus, he felt a desire for Snape to know how genuinely hard he was attempting to avoid an argument.
"I suspect he is provoking you." Snape soon said, collecting the jar of sage from the back of the wooden shelf.
Harry swallowed and let out a long sigh, "It's just Draco, you know. He can't help himself."
Snape scoffed at that.
"He certainly can. It sounds as though my assistance is needed to facilitate some form of reconciliation in order to keep the peace when you're both in my home. We will proceed to my study after I distribute the draughts to their appropriate storage containers."
Removing his wand to reverse the silencing charm, Snape paused when Harry reached out and grabbed his arm.
"Wait, Snape, hang on." Harry said before the charm was reversed, he let go of Snape's arm and quickly stowed his hands in his pockets. "Er, sorry, um, please let us just work this out alone."
Snape opened his palm and thwacked his wand a few times across his calloused skin. He raised both brows up at Harry. "I'm not certain you two are capable of handling such a monumental task without guidance."
Harry pulled his hands out of his pockets. "We can, just let us try, sir. Like you said, we're adults. We should be able to make amends."
Snape's expression remained unreadable as he continued with the light thwacking motion against his calloused palm. Harry watched him for a moment, growing nervous. He hated feeling so scrutinized in such a small space with Snape.
"Harry, if Draco continues to provoke you and you react poorly, I will certainly still punish you for fighting with him. It seems it is in your best interest that this be handled in an alternative manner with my assistance. I will not force the two of you to extensively tear through years of spats. As I've told Draco, I merely require an understanding to be reached in order to avoid unnecessary arguments between the two of you for not only the remainder of the summer but next term as well. Part of entering your adult life is learning to collaborate with those you may not prefer."
Harry shook his head, he really didn't want to have some long, tense, awkward conversation with Draco and Snape. He could already feel the thick tension that would encompass the room as the three of them sat in Snape's dark study to come to some fake amends.
"I understand, sir, I can control myself." Harry said with an air of assurance, "I won't get into it with him. We can come to terms on our own."
Snape hummed low but actually surprised Harry by giving him a slow nod.
"Very well, you may have another opportunity." Snape said leveling Harry with a pointed look. "If Draco continues to provoke you, I expect you to come to me. Do not allow your temper to get the best of you or you will not enjoy the repercussions."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "Thank you."
Snape nodded, but stepped in closer to Harry, causing his heartbeat to quicken.
"Consider yourself ever so fortunate that I am not punishing you for the Dittany incident either, Mr. Potter." Snape said in a lower tone. Harry nodded; his cheeks flushed pink as he kept his eyes fixed on Snape's.
"I understand the circumstances surrounding today and subsequently realize I did not specify the need for the two of you to physically cut the plant together. However, I could just as easily view this as direct disobedience since you are hardly a child and should have deduced the need to work together based on my instructions." Snape finished with a stern glare. "Not to mention, your near blatant lie to me."
"Thank you for understanding and not, um, punishing me." Harry added quickly, hoping Snape could see how sincere he was. "My bad on that one, sir. I should've asked Draco for help instead of taking over, and I should've been clearer when you asked about it."
"Indeed," Snape replied.
He swiftly snatched Harry by the arm, pivoted him around, and delivered three firm open-palmed smacks to the seat of his trousers before lightly pushing him forward.
Harry gasped, a sudden sting and shock coursing through him. He glanced around the kitchen first, relieved to find Draco nowhere in sight. He then turned back to Snape, ready to shoot a dejected glare, but his former professor had swiftly returned to sorting through the glass jars with little clinks, leaving Harry feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.
Without lifting his gaze, Snape casually flicked his wand, lifting the silencing charm in the space. A swift gust of wind accompanied the motion, ushering Harry away. The bundles of lavender swayed in purple spirals above them as the wooden door to the pantry pushed Harry out and clicked shut.
Harry glared at it for a moment, then turned around to look for Draco. His bum stung a bit from the unexpected smacks, but he was more than relieved that Snape hadn't decided to take the strap to him for disobedience. The entire situation was a horribly close call.
Harry peered into the backyard, no Draco. Then he strolled into the living room, still no Draco. He walked to the entryway of the house and glanced around, no Draco. He began to feel uneasy.
His gaze shifted upward to the second floor, where he noticed the first door leading to his bedroom was hanging open, sending a wave of fury through his chest.
Draco continued his snooping with vigor, rustling about the room, hoping to discover any shred of evidence that could prove his point or further incriminate Potter.
He had checked under the bed, rifled through Harry's dingy old chest, buried through the end table, and scoured every drawer of the desk but found nothing helpful.
Hurried footsteps snapping up the creaky wooden stairs soon echoed in the stairwell. Draco smirked, knowing Harry was coming to scream about his precious privacy being invaded.
Serves him right, he thought.
Even though Draco hadn't found anything, he smiled to himself, satisfied that his trespassing would get under Potter's skin. He decided to make a show of it, taking it a step further.
Draco lazily wandered over to the last unsearched piece of furniture in the room, hearing Harry's smacking footsteps rounding up the second set of stairs. He waited with his hand on the handle of the top wooden drawer.
"Listen here, Malfoy," he heard Harry start in before coming into view. Just as Harry reached the last step up, Draco slid the drawer open.
By Merlin, or some other magic, Draco's brows shot up and he smiled wide at what he found tucked in with the worn out shirts.
"You—" Harry froze in place, watching Draco reach into the top drawer.
"You have been in trouble, haven't you, Potter?" Draco drawled as he pulled out the familiar cherry wood paddle.
Harry suddenly felt sick as white-hot fury flooded him from head to toe. His fists clenched tight by his sides; crimson shame flooded up from his neck to his hairline. His conversation with Snape flew clear out of mind as he snapped his door shut behind him. He was going to strangle the arrogant prat with his bare hands for this.
Draco's grin widened as he wielded the paddle, taking a few long moments to smack it across his open palm.
"What was that you said in the yard, Potter? I don't know anything about your life here?"
Harry fumed; his fights clenched tight as he stormed across the room. "Put it back, Malfoy. You have no right to—"
"Be in here? Rummage through a place I'm not allowed in?" A snide laugh filled the small distance between them as Draco stepped closer to Harry. "I'm only dabbling in your favorite pastime, Potter. Didn't think I could find out your little humiliating secret, did you?"
Harry clenched his teeth, narrowing his emerald eyes into dangerous slits. Anger overtook his embarrassment as he knew full well Draco was also smacked. Snape hadn't just taken the strap and gone to the Malfoy's for tea last week, no matter what details he refused to give up.
Now, Harry had two options. Handle this like an adult, as he told Snape he could. Or kick Malfoy's arse.
Snatching the paddle out of Draco's hand, Harry tossed it in the open drawer and snapped it shut.
"It looks like you have a few more toys in there," Draco noted casually, lavishing the excuse to shame the hero of the wizarding world. "So, what is it? You like a little pain? Does it give you special feelings when you're bent over Snape's knee?"
Harry shoved Draco up against the wall, hoping Snape wouldn't hear. Of course, Draco had tried to spin it that way, gross. Harry was more than furious as his fists tightened around Draco's sweater collar. Rather than squirm away or panic like he would have in school, Draco just relaxed into the cedar wood behind him.
"Careful, Potter, you don't want Snape to pull out that strap in there. Can't imagine you'd fare well even if you like that sort of thing."
Harry couldn't take that stupid grin plastered over Draco's face one more second. So, he backed up a few steps and released him, letting Draco push back up from the wall.
"Yeah? Well, why don't you tell me about it, Malfoy." Harry shot back, crossing his arms. "Afterall, you're the one with firsthand experience. How bad is it?"
Draco narrowed his icy eyes, feeling more than a bit of apprehension coil around the center of his chest.
"I don't know what you're playing at—"
"Oh, yeah you do." Harry snapped, "Mummy wasn't so happy with the fire, was she? Had to call Snape over to sort you out."
Instantly the tables flipped, and Draco's gloat was replaced by two vivid emotions: fury and betrayal.
Snape told Potter?! He told him?
"He told you?!" Draco shot out in disbelief. His arrogant little sneer had vanished, replaced by a look of utter fury. "He said—"
Draco clamped his mouth shut, storming toward the bedroom door. He didn't care anymore if Snape decided to punish him for disrespect. How could he have been so blind? The humiliation cut deep; it was painfully evident now – Potter had become the newfound favorite, not just in the eyes of the world but also in Professor Snape's. The sense of betrayal overflowed, seeping out of Draco's chest.
Bloody hell, Harry thought as he moved to try and stop Draco at the door. "Wait, Malfoy."
"Get out of my way before I punch the glasses off your face, Potter." Draco spat, shoving Harry hard off the door and yanking it open.
Draco had only made it a few hard thumps down the stairs when he paused at the sound of Harry's hushed whisper.
"He didn't tell me anything, alright?"
Draco froze, He didn't? Then how do you…
Draco's eyes widened and his mouth dropped. He spun on his heel at the terror that latched into his chest at the new implication. That strapping had been the most humiliating, painful and vulnerable moment Draco had ever been through, he was going to kill Harry, simply murder him, if he had done what he now thought he did.
Harry swallowed hard, quickly taking his wand out and casting a silencing charm on the room as Draco charged back up the stairs.
He was thankful he thought to do so as the slam of his bedroom door certainly would have spurred Snape into motion.
Draco withdrew his new wand and shot Harry's out of his hands in the blink of an eye. Harry sucked in a stabilizing breath as Draco grabbed a fistful of the collar of his gray hoodie and slammed him against the cedar wall of his room.
Pointing his wand to Harry's throat Draco's tone dropped lower than he'd ever heard it in all of their spats at school.
"If you were there, watching in that blasted cloak, Potter, I'll—"
"I wasn't!" Harry shot out fast, swallowing hard as Draco's wand bore into the side of his throat.
"Then how do you know?" Draco spat, pressing his wand tighter into Harry's neck.
"Your mother came by here, Malfoy." Harry said, pulling his hand up to push the wand away. "Sod off and I'll tell you."
Surprisingly Draco released him. Harry huffed and straightened out his hoodie. He glared at Draco for a moment, trying to figure out what to say.
"She came by to talk with Snape," Harry started, taking in a little breath. "He wouldn't tell me why or give me any details."
Draco felt a bit of the pent-up tension release from his shoulders.
"Yeah? So, what then?" He narrowed his icy eyes, trying to piece together how the hell Potter knew.
"Snape left the next day. I noticed he took the strap, then Ron came by and—"
"Weasley knows?!" Draco felt every bit of embarrassment and livid anger flood his pale skin again.
He turned once more to head for the door, ready to spew all of this onto Snape, who had always promised to keep this sort of thing private. Only Slytherins were still spanked like the medieval days and only Slytherins knew about it. For six years it had stayed that way but now, bloody Ron Weasley knew?! All of Hogwarts would know next term. Draco's seventh year repeat was about to be miserable, thanks to Snape and that bloody strap. He was going to give him hell for it, then stomp Potter into the floor after.
Harry latched on to Draco's arm before he could make it to the door again. "Just wait, Draco—"
Draco sneered at Harry, yanking his arm away. He paused for a moment, suddenly catching on to the apprehension. Potter never called him by his first name.
"Are you prying into things you shouldn't, you little prat? Did Snape instruct you to stay out of my… dealings with him?"
Draco's winter glare took in the jittery energy pouring off of Harry, confirming his suspicion.
"He did, didn't he? Rather obvious with the way you're so desperate to ensure I keep mum about it."
Harry moved to speak but Draco cut him back off.
"Danced a little too close to the flames this time, didn't you, Harry? I don't think Snape will stand for you hanging this over my head, maybe I'll get to watch him take you down a peg or two."
Draco smirked at the flush creeping back up Harry's neck. He felt relief come over him, convinced now that Snape hadn't betrayed his trust. Potter was just sneaking around, like the little rat he was.
"What do you want to know?" Harry asked quickly, he clenched his teeth and crossed his arms, hating how fast he'd lost the advantage. "Leave him out of this and I'll tell you whatever you're dying to hear."
Draco's icy gray eyes seemed to waver for a moment, considering the offer.
In retrospect, with a new opportunity to take, he realized storming down the stairs to yell at Snape wouldn't prove the wisest choice. True, Potter probably would get his arse kicked for meddling, but he would be right behind him for disrespect. Not to mention fighting, as he was supposed to reconcile.
A faint smirk came on the side of Draco's lily white skin. "You'll tell me anything I want to know?"
Harry took in a small breath, he was so bloody screwed with this one. Drowning with no ability to swim, Harry gave up and sank.
"Yeah," Harry said as he ran his hand through his fluffy brown hair and sighed. "Anything about my situation here with Snape."
Draco contorted his face and crossed his arms, "I highly doubt you'll tell the truth."
Harry stifled the urge to groan, "He's been your Head of House for six years, Malfoy. You think you wouldn't see through a lie about… this sort of thing?"
Hoping the little flattery would work, Harry was relieved to hear Draco accept.
"Fine. If I think you're lying I'll waltz straight in and tell him you harassed me about the fire." Draco quipped, arrogance dripping from his words. "Better be the shining, honest Gryffindor you're so famous for, Potter, unless you want to go a round with Snape while I'm here."
Harry grimaced and willed his body to stop flushing.
"Right then, let's go before he comes up here and notices something's up."
Draco spun around first and made his way to the door, pausing as he looked back at Harry.
"When we get down there you better tell him I helped you cut that bloody plant too." Draco added.
"I can't do that," Harry said, annoyed. "He already interrogated me while you were up here playing Sherlock Holmes."
"And you sold me out?" Draco spat, "I told you to wait so I could help you, you insufferable imbecile."
"No, I didn't sell you out." Harry shot back, pulling his hands to his hips. "I just told him what happened, minus your lovely little comments. He barely bought that we didn't know we had to cut them together."
Draco scoffed and took in a little breath. He didn't feel so great with the whole lying thing, as he had definitely told Snape that he helped collect it.
"Great," Draco shot out sarcastically. "Right then, tell him we made up, be sure to include that I graciously thanked you for 'saving my life'."
At least if Harry said they made amends, he might be able to talk his way out of the lying.
"Thank me then." Harry challenged crossing his arms.
"No." Draco shot back, crossing his.
"Are you daft? I'm not going to lie to him, Malfoy." Harry said, pulling his brow in a tight line.
"Forget it all then." Draco said, opening the door. "The fire chat it is."
Harry cursed himself for getting wrapped up in this as he moved to follow Draco. He hardly desired to spill his guts to him, over spankings of all things, but between that and getting licked bare with that horrible strap, Harry would gladly pick the embarrassment.
"Alright, fine." Harry said in a little whisper behind Draco as the pair made their way down the creaking steps. "I'll tell him."
"Is that so?" Snape said, his dark eyes shifting between the pair of boys.
He stood beside the cauldron in the kitchen, carefully concluding the preparation of the calming draughts and meticulously tidying up the area.
Harry tried not to look uncomfortable as he said, "Yes, sir. We worked it all out."
There were many accomplishments Severus Snape held close in his life, successfully deceiving the Dark Lord being one, but his most cherished achievement was his ability to see right through lies from students.
"Very well," Snape replied, glancing briefly away from the pair to pour the glistening potion into a glass vial.
Draco shifted his weight on his feet then chimed in too.
"My apologies for misunderstanding your instructions earlier. I thought accompanying him would suffice. And of course, there was my brilliant shear collecting. He couldn't have cut them without those, you know."
Snape shot Draco a terrifyingly dark gaze though he deliberately chose not to respond as he filled another vial.
Harry could feel the nerves coming off Draco despite the casual show of detachment.
"Well, sir," Draco interjected once more, his tone subtly hinting at feigned confidence. "Unless you require our assistance in gathering more ingredients, Potter and I have a few more matters to discuss."
Snape raised an eyebrow at Draco's audacious remark, his expression giving away nothing. He capped the vial with a deliberate precision that added to the thick suspense in the room.
"Discuss away, Draco," Snape finally replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure your newfound camaraderie will be a joy to witness after enduring your appalling childish antics over the years."
Harry swallowed and shot Draco a sidelong glare. He certainly didn't want to get into it with Snape after they so delicately lied about their amends.
"It's rather private, actually, sir." Draco followed up, his tone was fairly neutral, keeping the quiver of nerves at bay. "We were hoping to discuss the matter elsewhere."
Snape hummed low, focusing on the swirling liquids in the vials. Harry felt his stomach drop, he knew Snape saw right through them. He had just willingly lied and that was sure to be 'discussed' at some point. To his surprise Snape waved his hand, dismissing them.
"We will be having a discussion when you two return, do not make this conversation unnecessarily lengthy." Snape's tone carried an ominous weight that unsettled Harry, and Draco too, though he attempted to conceal any unease.
"Thank you, sir." Draco said as turned quickly and trudged out the back door, certainly not bothering to hold it for Harry.
Draco sucked in a few sharp breaths as he made his way over to a large oak tree in the distance. Ah, fuck. Snape had that look, the knowing one. The one every Slytherin cracked under in seconds. He should have taken the lead and said they made amends, he could be a hell of a lot more convincing than squirming, noble Potter.
Harry started to move, but hesitated upon hearing Snape's stern command: "Astonishing you possess the nerve to walk out that door without divulging the truth, Harry Potter."
His heartbeat thumped against his chest as he slowly turned to face Snape again. He watched Snape interlace his fingers and give him a stern, pointed look. Harry swallowed, chancing a glance out the window at Draco who looked rather impatient standing by a large tree in the backyard.
"You don't think we're telling you the truth?"
"I know you aren't." Snape replied sharply.
Harry groaned and ran his hand across his face.
"Snape, you said we could handle it. We're not done yet with our talk, please let me finish it? I'll tell you everything after."
Snape's gaze remained stern, and he observed Harry with an intensity that hinted at his skepticism. After a moment of tense silence, he finally spoke, his voice low and measured.
"Very well. Finish your discussion, but I won't tolerate lying from either of you. We'll continue this conversation together upon your return."
Harry nodded, a mixture of relief and apprehension coursing through him. He turned to leave, catching up with Draco in the backyard, where their humiliating conversation awaited.
Scene Break
"What were you lingering back for, Potter?" Draco spat, watching Harry sit down on the collapsed tree log a few feet from him.
"He knows we lied, Malfoy." Harry said laying down horizontally, wishing the log would absorb him.
"Did you tell him we did?" Draco snapped, walking over to Harry to tower above him. "Merlin, if you want to be his favorite so desperately at least have the decency not to drag me down into that bloody hell with you."
Harry turned his head a bit to squint up at Draco, the bright afternoon sunlight streamed down through the budding leaves of the remaining tall tree covering the log he was laying on.
"No I didn't tell him, I asked him to let us finish our conversation." Harry said, forcing himself to relax. "Then he accused us of lying."
"Of course he's going to accuse! It's Snape. Professor Snape. His greatest pleasure in life is to accuse." Draco bit back, "You're so thick, Potter. I haven't the faintest clue how you survived the war."
Harry rolled his eyes then pinched them shut, he focused on the soft breeze rustling the tree branches above his head. He felt his heartbeat spike up and he cleared his throat.
"Let's get on with this then, so I can try to save my arse after this rubbish idea to lie to him." Harry said.
"It wouldn't have been rubbish if you weren't so horribly awful at lying." Draco shot back, "I would give you lessons if I didn't relish the idea of you being punished for it."
Harry snorted, keeping his eyes closed.
"Right, speaking of relishing, ask your bloody questions."
"Anxious to spill your secrets?" Draco smirked, sitting down on the ground next to the log.
He pulled his knees up and let his forearms rest on them. He was facing the side where Potter lay stretched out, this way he could watch his expressions, ready to pounce on him over even a hint of a lie.
In truth though, Draco had lost his gusto from earlier. His thoughts trailed back to Snape in the kitchen, and a part of him, hidden far away from Harry, was terrified Snape was planning to smack him soon.
Draco shoved off his nerves, focusing on the anger he felt in the bedroom.
"You told bloody Weasley your little collection of information, didn't you, Potter?"
Harry sighed, relieved that Draco started with that one first, not straight into the details of his punishments with Snape.
"No, if you would have let me finish earlier you could have spared yourself some grief." Harry said, with his eyes still closed.
The bright sun pierced the front of his closed eyelids illuminating a faint red color rather than the typical darkness one would expect to see.
"Ron told me about the fire—"
"How did he know!?" Draco spat, feeling his chest flood with rekindled heat.
Harry cracked his eyes open and slightly turned his head. His sharp green gaze met Draco's scowl. No wonder Snape was such a stickler with interruptions, every time Draco cut him off it only escalated the situation.
"His mum spoke with your mum in town." Harry said calmly, "Before you go mental, he didn't know about the strap and I didn't tell him."
Draco pulled his frustrated glare from Harry and let his gaze wander around the yard. He was going to have to have a serious conversation with his mother about telling poor people their business. What was she thinking talking to a bloody Weasley?
"I hardly believe that." Draco spat, his tone laced with suspicious doubt, "I'm certain the pair of you gossiped about it like little schoolgirls. It's practically all you're good for."
Harry turned his head back up, letting the soft breeze soothe the tension in his chest. He needed to calm down if he didn't want to get into a yelling match.
"I didn't, Malfoy. How was I supposed to tell him a strap, that I keep in my top drawer, went missing? Then explain what it's used for without getting into why I have it?"
Harry tried not to let his tone get to snide, but he felt a layer of annoyance creeping in.
A small snort filled the air as Draco scoffed and reached down to pick a few strands of grass from the ground by his side. He was a bit surprised that Potter had felt too embarrassed to even tell his wart of a friend about the smackings.
"It's Weasley, Potter. Garden slugs possess more discernment than him." Draco sneered, flicking bits of grass aside as he continued his dismissive gesture. "Honestly, you could have fed him a string of absurdities, and he'd have swallowed them without a second thought."
"Cut it out, Malfoy." Harry shot back, snapping his head to the side and giving Draco the sharpest glare possible.
A small silence hung in the soft spring air, both boys narrowing their eyes in agitation.
"I suppose we do have a few more interesting things to discuss besides that ginger's stupidity."
The condescending sparkle returned to Draco's voice, making Harry internally groan. He crossed his arms tight to his chest, snapped his eyes closed and waited for Draco's first horribly uncomfortable question.
"Why don't we start with your first time with Snape. What naughty behavior got you, the hero of the wizarding world, finally bent over for a smacking?"
Harry couldn't help but flush despite keeping his shut eyes and sincere focus on the spring breeze. He had half a mind to let Draco bring up the fire with Snape so he could avoid this embarrassing interrogation. He would've too if he hadn't felt how dreadfully awful that strap was over his trousers last week.
"That's a gross way of phrasing it, you prat." Harry spat, feeling the center of his chest fill with dread.
"Certainly," Draco said, scooting a little closer to the log, boring his flinty gaze down at Harry. "The world has no business calling you a 'hero', you never would have survived without everyone and their blasted dog aiding you. Gross indeed."
Harry turned his head to meet Draco's nasty sneer.
"That's rather rich coming from the poster child of privilege."
Draco shot Harry an icy glare, normally he would have taken the bait after such a sharp insult but he knew Harry was deflecting.
"Speaking of privilege, I'm waiting for your honest answer, Potter. Don't spare any details either."
Harry sucked in a shallow breath and let his emerald gaze wander up to the budding leaves of the towering oak tree.
"Fine," Harry paused, Merlin this was hard to talk about, especially with Draco. He hadn't even told Ron about everything yet. He quickly decided to go the long way around it.
"McGonagall told me if I wanted to come back as an aide next year I needed structure."
Draco paused and furrowed his brow, "As an aide? Hogwarts doesn't have aides."
"Student assistants, Malfoy. Except I won't be a student so it's sort of a new thing."
Of course Harry was getting some sort of 'special privilege'. Draco sucked in a tight breath, a new horrible thought settling over his spinning thoughts.
"Don't think you're going to be aiding Snape. If you even think to give it a go, I'll ensure your time in Slytherin becomes a proper nightmare. You'll be sprinting back to Gryffindor before the first night's through."
Draco said it with gusto but Harry detected the nervousness laced into his words. It almost made him smile.
"Calm down, I don't know who I'm aiding yet. I have to make it through the summer first and at this rate I might not." Harry said, feeling a bit dejected as he considered how many times Snape had already smacked him within his short stay.
The way things were going, the rest of the summer was not looking promising.
Going from no discipline, coupled with utter chaos and unimaginable stress for years, to stringent disciplinary measures was no easy feat, especially at the hands of Severus Snape.
"On behalf of everyone I hope you don't make it through." Draco said sharply, pinching the battered skin on his left hand. "Get on with it."
Harry swallowed and glanced away from the intensity radiating off Draco. He hated how much he wanted to see him squirm. This was more embarrassing than any other situation he'd been in and it was challenging not to let it show.
"I agreed to come live here," Harry paused to suck in a small breath, "and follow his rules."
"And get smacked with a paddle when you don't." Draco added, smirking again at the way Harry seemed to grimace. "You're stretching it out, Potter."
"Why do you care so much about this?" Harry snapped, crossing his arms tighter to his chest and pinching his eyes shut. "Seems a bit dodgy to me, Malfoy."
Draco leaned in closer, smirking as he did. A hint of genuine curiosity lay beneath the surface of his prodding, "It's rather obvious, isn't it? Finding out that the 'Boy Who Lived' is finally being punished for all his glazed over troublemaking, with Snape, no less. It's the best news I've received all year, really."
Harry frowned and turned to glare at Draco.
"Not to mention, you nearly killed me with that evil curse in the loo and strutted away without a thoroughly deserved sore arse. Consider this dreadfully uncomfortable conversation a small down payment on the apology you owe me."
Harry felt more than a twinge of regret pool in the center of his chest as the memory of Draco bleeding out in the bathroom invaded his mind like an unwelcome thorn. He supposed in a way Draco had a point, though saving his life in the war felt like payment enough.
"Right, well," Harry switched gears for a brief second and met Draco's nasty glare with the most sincerity he could muster. "I didn't mean for that to happen, Malfoy. I had no clue what that spell did. But, er, I'm sorry. Glad you're alright."
Ever so briefly, Draco's sharp expression faltered. A flicker of contemplation flitted across his icy gray eyes. He quickly shoved away the warm feeling of appreciation that washed over his chest and let out an exaggerated scoff.
"Don't think I'll let you slither out of this one with that half arse, fake apology."
Despite the bite of his words, Harry perceived a small change between them. He watched as Draco dropped his arms from his knees and turned to face him square on. His expression wasn't half as snide as before, somehow making it a bit easier for Harry to continue.
"Worth a shot." Harry quipped back, letting a little of his natural tease permeated his words. "Right so, um, I agreed in McGonagall's office. But before that I had sort of been… listening in on her and Snape's conversation outside the door."
Draco snorted; a wide smile played across his pale face.
Harry sucked in a short breath, "Snape caught me."
The outside space filled with a few crisp claps from Draco, as he commenced with a little round of condescending applause. A huge smirk came across his face at Harry's irritated expression. Harry soon noticed the battered cuts and markings on Draco's knuckles as he continued his little dramatic show of approval.
"Serves you right, Potter. I can't believe you didn't learn your lesson after I cracked your nose on the train for that pathetic little habit." Draco quipped, so incredibly satisfied.
He decided it was almost worth it that Harry had found out about the fire, this was the best blackmail he could wield.
"So, what delightful method of correction did Snape choose? The paddle, perhaps? Did he administer your punishment right there in the office, in front of the old hag?"
Normally Harry would have been quick to defend Professor McGonagall against such an insult but today he could only cringe, this was so awful.
"No, he didn't punish me in the office." Harry said as he sat up on the log, swinging his feet around.
To Harry's surprise Draco didn't shove away to create more distance between them. Instead, he casually rested his left arm on the log, tilting his head up at Harry.
Draco didn't have on a kind expression, by any means, but it wasn't entirely spiteful anymore.
Harry cleared his throat and hugged his arms close to his chest, staring out at the back side of the house where he sat facing the circle kitchen window.
"It wasn't the paddle; it was the ruler." Harry added a touch quieter. "Before you ask, it happened in his classroom. And yes, it bloody hurt like hell. Happy?"
Draco let out a boastful little chuckle, "Course I am, but you got off easy if it was just the ruler."
Harry scowled, no part of that experience was easy, not in the slightest. The frustration prompted him to add, "Well, it wasn't just the ruler. He, um, smacked me first."
"Bet that was fun," Draco drawled out, making Harry flush again. "Did you pull your trousers and pants down willingly or did he have to 'assist' you?"
"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry shot out venomously, "I'm not going into detail about that."
"As I recall, Potter, you don't have a choice, do you?" Draco's icy eyes danced, relishing the discomfort radiating off Harry.
Harry subtly grit his teeth, he did in fact have a choice. Yet the prospect of Snape's strap wasn't the option he could force himself to opt for.
Harry sucked in a sharp breath, "I was a bit shocked by the, er, expectation for that."
"Assist it was," Draco smiled triumphantly, content to know Potter hadn't faced Snape's knee with the same heroic bravery as everything else. "I bet your thighs ached for hours after that stunt."
A small gust of the spring breeze blew through them, and Harry ran his hand up through his soft brown hair. He found himself briefly contemplating Draco's words. In contrast to the ruthless taunting, he felt the smallest bit of connection woven into Draco's prodding. Whether Draco realized it or not, he'd slowly given up a few more clues that solidified Harry's suspicions. He knew exactly how Snape spanked, from the trousers bit to the thigh smacks for misbehaving during it, Draco had undeniable experience on the receiving end; making it a bit easier to talk through it despite the condescending jabs.
"Why does he even do that?" Harry tried, glancing up at the shadowed oak tree. "You know, I never had much sympathy for Slytherins, but thigh smacks gave me a better understanding of how dreadful your House is."
Draco narrowed his icy glare, "Speaking of that, Potter, don't you dare think you're going to be breathing a word about it when we go back next term. Snape's discipline in Slytherin is private. It's been like that for years and you're certainly not about to destroy it."
Harry shot his brows up, peering down at Draco. Suddenly a wave of relief washed through him from head to toe. He had found a way out of this, and Draco had just unknowingly swung the door wide open.
"That is no other House's business but our own. And if Weasley or any other members of your little fan club decide—"
"To tell?" Harry finished for him, "They would have nothing to go off of, neither would I..." Harry grinned down, feeling the warm sunshine flood through the back of his shirt as Draco's expression dimmed. "Except you just told me."
Draco shot to his feet and glared down at Harry, though suddenly, he was at a loss of words. Bloody hell, he had just told. He'd walked right into Potter's special little trap.
Harry took a moment to just smile, he then interlaced his fingers behind his head. Yes, he already knew about discipline in Slytherin. But Malfoy could think he'd blown it, that worked out much better for him.
"Now, I think it's your turn to answer some of my questions." Harry leveled Draco with an intensity that overrode the previous bravado from the blonde. "I imagine it'll be hard for you to be honest, since Slytherins are hardly known for that. But I think you can manage if you want to preserve your House's little secret."
A palpable tension settled between the pair; Harry's emerald eyes scanned down to Draco's clenching fits. Half expecting Draco to pummel him, he shot a glance back to the kitchen window, hoping Snape wasn't spying from his vantage point.
"I won't be telling you a word, Potter." Draco said sharply, stepping a foot closer, toe to toe now with Harry still seated on the log beneath him. "Slytherin has its own ways of dealing with unwanted attention and you're dafter than I thought if you think you can manipulate this situation in your favor. Besides, don't forget, I know all about your life here with Snape."
Harry hummed low, keeping his head rested back on his interlaced fingers. His emerald eyes reflected the sharp rays of the afternoon sun as he smirked up at Draco.
"I guess we'll see about that next term, Malfoy." Harry challenged, watching the way Draco's chest rose up and down. "If I had to bet a galleon or two on it, I'd have to say my words hold a bit more weight these days than yours. I'm not sure the rest of Slytherin would be entirely pleased to know that you were the one who sold them out, to a Gryffindor no less."
"You better not. I'll waltz right back in there and tell Snape about your little fire taunts if you don't take that back." Draco motioned to the back door, boring his gaze down on Harry.
Harry released his hands from his head and leaned back, spreading his arms wide on either side of the log.
"Go ahead, Malfoy. I think a smacking will be worth seeing you shunned next term."
He didn't mean that. In truth, he wasn't the type to enjoy anyone being bullied, even Draco Malfoy. But his bluff had to be convincing enough to keep Draco from running back inside.
Harry didn't let himself falter as he watched Draco track a few paces back to the house. A huge smile crept across his face when he watched Draco stop and bring his hands to his hips.
A moment later he heard him say: "Fine, Potter."
He watched with satisfaction as Draco spun back and headed toward him.
"If your ego is so battered after being over Snape's knee that you need me to soothe the blow with my own experiences, I suppose I'll entertain you." Draco spat it out, but Harry could feel the dejection radiating off his dropped shoulders.
"Seems like a wise decision," Harry added, satisfied with the way Draco's face flushed red. "Why don't you tell me first about your worst experience with Snape? Don't spare any details either, Malfoy."
Draco was fuming again, had they been anywhere else and away from Snape's grasp, he would have pummeled Potter for this. He crossed his arms and glared down at the cheeky green-eyed prat.
After a moment of considering the question, a brilliant idea came to mind. Draco wanted to punch Harry right across the face for threatening to tear down his social life, but he knew Snape would undoubtedly rain fire down on him for it. So, he quickly devised a new plan.
He glanced back at the circular window, seeing no movement or sign of Snape's presence he decided to act fast.
"Very well, Potter." Draco said moving from the front to the right side of Harry, "Since you're so curious, I'll give you something better than just a story."
Harry hardly had time to consider the ominous words. In an instant, Draco's firm stomach pressed down into his lap as he threw himself over in a heap.
Harry's mouth dropped open at the sudden weight of Draco's torso over his thighs. He stuttered for a moment, trying to form a sensible sentence through the shock.
"Wh—" Harry started to speak, instinctively shoving Draco forward but the blonde loudly cleared his throat and shifted his hips.
"I'm quite sure you'd prefer a glimpse of my naked flawless arse, but I won't be granting you that privilege." Draco said, shimmying forward a bit on Harry's thin thighs. He made sure he was pulled up enough to have his head hanging low and his arms free.
Harry tried to roll him forward and shove him off, digging both his hands into Draco's side, but Draco kept himself rooted in place, pushing back in against Harry's shove.
"M-Malfoy! Get off!" Harry choked out; he'd never been so caught off guard in his life. "What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?!"
"Don't think you can get any free smacks in, Potter. This is simply a demonstration." Draco said casually over his shoulder, wrapping his left arm tightly around the back of Harry's calf to keep some leverage against the shoving. "You wanted to know about the worst time, so shut up and listen."
Harry glared down at Draco lying face down over his lap. The position made him wildly uncomfortable, and he couldn't fathom how their once awkward and tense confrontation had taken such a drastic turn. He stared down dumbfounded at the back of Draco's messy blonde hair; but for the moment, he stilled.
Draco smirked as Harry's hands left his ribs, he'd been shoving him quite hard so feeling him relax back made him bite the inside of his cheek. Potter was too easy sometimes.
"So, here we are – you, playing Snape, and I, the epitome of excellence," Draco said just over his shoulder, catching the contorted blanket of confusion etched across Harry's face. "You're painfully smacking away, and I decide you deserve a little… smack back, if you will."
Before Harry had time to process the foreboding statement, he caught sight of Draco's right fist pulling up.
