They arrived back in the corridor precisely one minute after they had gone.  Severus quickly peeked into the infirmary to see if Poppy were about, then seeing the coast was clear, indicated the girls should get inside.  "Quickly! Back into bed, the pair of you!"

The girls scurried to obey, slipping back into their respective beds like a couple of chastened five-year-olds. 

Severus eyed them sternly for a minute, then said, "You did well, both of you.  However, don't think this lets you off the hook for breaking the rules earlier tonight, either of you."

Hermione looked stricken.  "Professor, you're giving me detention?"

"Yes, you, Miss Lupin, and my son as well.  Mr. Weasley too as soon as he's better.  Don't look at me like that, girl, you know perfectly well you deserve it.  Out of bed and running about the grounds in the middle of the night-a full moon no less! What do you think this is-Hogwarts School for Dunderheads? Though it ought to be, given how the lot of you behave.  Disgraceful!"

"Oh no!" wailed Hermione.  "There goes my record for the least amount of detentions!"

"Welcome to the real world, Miss Granger," drawled Severus lightly.  "Nobody's perfect.  Nor should you expect yourself to be."

"You expect it of yourself," she replied petulantly.

"Which ought to tell you something.  Seven o'clock sharp Monday morning.  Don't be late or else I'll take fifty points from Gryffindor.  The same goes for you too, Miss Lupin."

"Yes sir," Aria said, then muttered, "Oh great, detention with Uncle Sev and Uncle Remmy too, once he finds out.  Um, sir, where is my uncle? Normally he'd be right here, hovering over me like a mother wolf."

"Did no one tell you, child?" Severus began, then shook his head in disgust.  "No, of course not, how could they, we didn't exactly have time to talk.  Aria, your uncle is in the Shrieking Shack, in werewolf form. Where he will remain until the curse and the full moon have run its course."

Aria gaped.  "But how? He took the Wolfsbane, I was there when Harry brought him the goblet.  So why didn't it work?"

"Because it was tampered with, Miss Lupin.  By Pettigrew, most likely," answered Severus grimly.  "Now enough chatter, go to sleep.  You're exhausted, though you don't know it yet, and what you need most now is rest."

He resumed his seat on the chair next to Harry's bed.  His son was sleeping soundly and Severus brushed a lock of hair off his forehead and gazed tenderly down at his offspring.  Then he sighed as he recalled he still had to deal with the boy's disobedience.  Oh, the joys of parenthood, the professor frowned.  Time enough to deal with the consequences of disobedience tomorrow, tonight he would allow himself to rest and let the embers of his temper cool.  It was better that way.

Poppy returned to check upon her patients and found them all sleeping soundly, even the Potions Master.  No one had seen them go and no one had seen them return.

• * * * * *

Madam Pomfrey released all of her patients from the Hospital Wing the next morning.  The Minister was furious that Black had managed to escape yet again, thus reinforcing Severus's claim that he had an accomplice, but for now there was nothing to be done but give up and withdraw the dementors from the school grounds, since Hogwarts was now safe again, it was unlikely Black would ever return.  Professor Snape was credited with having played a large role in capturing the criminal and Fudge had said he would convene a committee to discuss possibly awarding him the Order of Merlin First Class, at Albus's recommendation.  Once that honor would have been something Snape craved, to be recognized for his dangerous duty, but now it didn't really matter anymore.  All that mattered to him now was that his son was safe.

Safe, though about to face his wrath for last night's disobedience.

Harry ate breakfast in the hall with the other students, all of whom were discussing Sirius Black's miraculous escape and for once even Seamus and Dean had nothing derogatory to say about Professor Snape or Harry.  In fact, they actually apologized to him for thinking badly about his father, which pleased Harry to no end.  He wondered if telling his father that would mitigate the punishment he was about to get.  Probably not, he always does what he says, no matter what.  He pushed the eggs and sausage about on his plate, no longer hungry.  His stomach was in knots over facing Severus's anger and disappointment yet again.  His father had told him to meet him in their quarters after breakfast was over for a discussion of his continued disobedience. 

Harry knew quite well there would be more than just a discussion.

He also knew that he deserved whatever Severus chose to do to him, for he had broken his word to the man twice, once over Buckbeak and again by not going straight back to the castle after getting out of the Shrieking Shack, and he also had the audacity to hex his own father and knock him out.  Not the kind of behavior Severus would be inclined to forgive with a mere apology.  Last but not least, Harry had also put himself in danger, another thing Severus had no tolerance for.

No doubt about it, I'm royally screwed.  I can't believe I was so stupid.  Well, I guess I just better get down there and get it over with.  Resigned to his fate, though still hoping faintly his father would be merciful, Harry rose from the table and prepared to return to the dungeons.

"Good luck, mate," offered Ron with a sympathetic smile.

"Yeah, good luck, Harry," echoed Hermione.

"Thanks.  I'm going to need it," he sighed and then turned and walked slowly out of the hall and down the stairs.

He did not hurry, but neither did he drag his feet.  He simply walked purposefully, determined that whatever followed he would endure it soundlessly, like a Snape should. 

He paused before the door to Snape's apartments, whispering the password to get past the wards and had just put his hand on the doorknob when he caught the sound of his father's voice, lecturing someone sternly.

" . . .realize that shape-slipper or not, you could have died as a result of your foolish and reckless behavior, Aria Lenore Lupin? How did you know Pettigrew didn't have a Death Eater or two waiting in the shadows to attack you? I wouldn't put it past him, this is a cold-blooded murderer we're talking about, one who framed his best friend and got him sent to prison for eleven years while he continued serving his dark master by being a sneak and an informant.  And there you go, merrily on your way, like some kind of comic book superheroine! Bloody damn hell, child! You are not invulnerable because you can become a blasted cougar or a hawk! You can still be killed and Remus would go mad if that happened.  Stark raving mad!"

"I know that, sir," came Aria's voice, low and filled with remorse and shame. "I wasn't intending for any of this to happen, sir.  But Pettigrew had to be stopped, he'd broken Shifter Law and only another slipper can call a Hunt upon a rogue."

"Yes, I'm well aware of Shifter Law, young lady," Severus said testily.  "You needn't quote me chapter and verse, I was best friends with a werewolf for over twenty years.  But it wasn't your place to stop Pettigrew, girl, that was a job for adults.  You may be gifted with unusual powers, Aria, but those are no substitute for experience and you are still a child and have no right to risk your life that way.  No child does.  You are our future, we are meant to keep you safe, not the reverse."

"Dumbledore doesn't think so.  He thinks Harry is the Chosen One."

"Dumbledore and I don't see eye to eye on many issues, especially that one. I vowed long ago that Harry would never be a pawn of prophecy, so I could give a damn what the Old Meddler believes.  But we aren't here to discuss my son, but you, young lady.  I am appalled that one of my House could disregard my rules and ignore curfew the way you did, not to mention you cast a disarming charm upon me, your Head of House, and knocked me out!"

"I'm sorry, Uncle Sev.  I-I didn't mean to hit you that hard, but my control with a wand isn't all that good and I was scared-scared that you would kill Sirius and I guess I just . . .reacted without thinking."

"Yes, you and Harry seem to share that deplorable trait, like most teenagers. You act first and think later, if at all.  Which can get you killed if you're not careful.  The way it nearly did Sirius Black.  Black rushed after Pettigrew on his own and nearly paid for it with his life.  I don't wish for you to make the same mistake, Aria."

"I know, Uncle Sev."

"No, you don't.  But by the time you finish my detention you will," the professor said silkily.  "However, that is neither here nor there.  I have no doubt that Remus will punish you as he sees fit when he returns and is himself again, but since you are a Slytherin, I reserve the right to assign additional punishments, not counting the upcoming detention with the rest of your little band of heroes.  That being so, you will complete a three foot essay for me on what could have happened as a result of your impulsive behavior and said consequences for it, to be turned in to me this afternoon.  I will then examine it and choose a consequence from those listed.  And if there are no fitting consequences by my reckoning, I shall invent one of my own, and it will not be pleasant, am I clear, Miss Lupin?"

"Yes sir.  I'm sorry I disappointed you, sir.  Will you take points too?"

"I must, much as I dislike it.  Fifty points for your reckless disobedience from Slytherin," he gritted out.  "And if I didn't know Remus as well as I do, I would turn you over my knee as well for scaring the bloody blazes out of me, child. Don't ever do anything so foolish again, or else I shall give you the same punishment I give Harry, I promise you!"

"Yes sir.  I'll try and behave."

"Do that, child.  And finish that essay," Severus said in a gentler tone.  "Dismissed, Miss Lupin."

Harry heard the distinct sound of a swat and he knew his dad had most likely turned the Slytherin about and given her a smack on the bottom the way he did to Harry when he was fed up with him, before sending her away. 

He quickly backed away and retreated a few paces down the corridor, allowing Aria to leave the apartment without looking as if he'd been deliberately spying on her.  She paused a bit, wiping a hand across her face briefly, then walking slowly towards the Slytherin portrait hole. 

Harry pretended he had just arrived in the hallway and said hello.  "You look like you've been chewed up and spit out.  What happened?"

"Your dad, what else?  He's waiting for you, Harry."

"I know," he muttered past the lump in his throat. He hesitated a moment before looking down the corridor.

"Just go and get it over with," she advised softly.  "Why stand here torturing yourself?"

"Right." He squared his shoulders.  "See you around, Aria.  If I survive."

"You will.  You're a Snape," was all she said, then she went inside the portrait hole. 

I'm a Snape, all right. One who's about to get his bum walloped, most likely. Harry bit his lip, then thought that it couldn't be any worse than what Vernon used to do, or the Death Eaters. 

He found Severus seated on the sofa, his hands folded in his lap, staring morosely into the fireplace.  His eyes flashed with temper when he caught sight of Harry, who was standing with his hands in his pockets, avoiding his gaze, miserable and ashamed.

"So, Mr. Snape.  I assume you know the reason why you're here?"

Harry nodded.

"A verbal answer, young man."

"Yes sir."

"Explain."

"I'm here so you can punish me for disobeying you twice and-and for hexing you last night."

"Correct.  Would you care to tell me why you felt it necessary to disobey my orders, Harrison Remus, when you knew why I had issued them?"

"I . . .well . . .it seemed like I had no choice at the time.  We had to save Buckbeak and then Ron was being dragged away by Sirius . . .I just reacted. I know I was stupid and I should've come and gotten you or another teacher and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry." He hung his head.

"Make me worry?" Severus repeated softly, but with an edge.  "Harry, you made me frantic.  Not once, but twice! How many times do I have to tell you boy? You do not risk your life ever! Not for any reason! What were you thinking?"

"I wasn't, sir."

"Exactly.  That's your whole problem, son.  You're impulsive and reckless and one day you're going to drive me into an early grave, Harry! If I ever lost you . . . I would go insane, do you not realize that?" Severus demanded hoarsely.

"Yes," his son whispered, feeling the lump in his throat grow huge.  Oh God. "I'm sorry, Dad.  I know I screwed up again."

"Good.  I'm glad that you acknowledge it," said his father quietly.  "Do you recall what I said would happen if you got in trouble again, young man?"

"Yes sir."

Severus crooked a finger at him.  "Come here then, and let's get this over with."

Harry obeyed, coming to stand before his parent.  "Dad? You're not going to-to use a belt, are you? Or a stick?" His voice trembled at that last.

"No.  Nor a kitchen spoon either. I'm not my father or Molly Weasley.  My hand will be enough." Severus reassured him, then he placed Harry face down over his knee.

Harry gritted his teeth and fisted his hands in Severus's robes.  He had a feeling his father would not let him off with a mere five swats this time. He shut his eyes and waited.

Severus set his jaw, then tugged his son's trousers down.  Harry gasped.  He hadn't been expecting that at all.  But Severus left his shorts on, saying quickly, "Sixteen swats, double the punishment you received for lying to me when you were small, plus two extra for your reckless disobedience." Then he lifted his hand and smacked his son's bottom sharply.

By the eighth smack, Harry was squirming over his lap, but he remained silent.  This was not because the spanking didn't hurt, it hurt quite a bit, even though Severus was careful not to use his full strength.  But Harry had been trained long ago by Vernon to take a beating soundlessly, or else he'd get worse.

So he endured the spanking stoically, blinking away tears, though in truth the shame and Severus's disappointment hurt worse than the blows themselves. Not only did the shame prick him, he also felt guilty making Severus punish him like this, for he knew how much his father disliked it.  He could feel the man pause between each swat, as if steeling himself. I'm sorry, Dad! I'm sorry! Oww!

Severus had to force himself to continue, thoroughly warming his son's bottom, until the sixteenth and final smack, which he dealt a bit more sharply than the others.  Harry jumped, but it was over. Severus replaced his jeans and said, in a strangely hoarse voice, "Do not ever make me do that to you again, do you hear me?"

Harry nodded, his eyes filled with tears, and he vowed not to cry, he wasn't a little baby.  But then he found himself being held, and Severus's hand was rubbing his back and suddenly he burst into tears, crying more from the awful shame and disappointment than from the stinging in his behind.  "I'm sorry, I know I'm a disappointment to you and I'll never be good enough, I'm sorry, Dad, I'm always in trouble, I'm sorry!"

"Hush, son.  You'll always be good enough for me, Harry," Severus murmured.  "Always.  You're a child, and all children get into trouble. I expect it." His son buried his face in his shoulder and cried harder at that.  He caught the words " . . .don't deserve . . ." and began stroking Harry's hair, saying quickly, "Hush, child. You deserved to be spanked and now it's over you most certainly deserve to be forgiven. I forgive you, Harry. You will always have my love and my forgiveness, son, no matter what you do or how angry I may be at the time."

"But I'm-I'm not perfect!" he wailed, wincing slightly.

Severus was startled.  "Merlin, Harry, whoever told you that you had to be perfect? No child is that, and any parent who says they have one is lying through their teeth."

"D-Dudley was perfect," he snuffled.  "Aunt Petunia was always saying so."

"Your aunt is hardly a model parent and your cousin was a perfect pain in the arse, by my reckoning.  Do not even begin to compare yourself with them, son. Because there is no comparison, for you are better by far.  Trust me on that."

"But I'm always making you mad and all we do is fight sometimes so how can you say that? I'm a screw up, Dad!"

"Harry, listen to me.  So is every child on earth.  We all make mistakes and we all face the consequences of those mistakes. Some sooner, some later, but the important thing is not how many mistakes you make, son, but what you learn from them.  I can tell you're learning, since you almost never make the same mistake twice.  Which means I must be doing something right."

Harry made a face at him, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.  "Uh, sure, like what you just did is right, Dad. You gonna spank me when I'm seventeen too?" He shifted on his father's lap, trying to get comfortable.  It was impossible.

Severus chuckled.  "By then I would hope you would have learned your lesson, Harry, and be in control of your impulsive side. Or is that too much to ask?"

"No," his son said, wriggling. 

Severus raised an eyebrow.  "I didn't hit you that hard, did I?" he asked in some concern. 

"Hard enough."

"Well, it wouldn't be much of a spanking if it didn't sting," he pointed out. "I'm sorry you made me do that, son, but it was deserved.  Next time behave, Mr. Snape."

"I will," promised Harry. 

Severus fought to keep from smiling.  He wondered how long his son would keep that promise.  Knowing Harry it could last for a day, or a month, perhaps several, but since trouble followed his son like a shadow, Snape knew Harry would be in hot water fairly soon once again. 

"I certainly hope so, for I truly disliked punishing you that way," Severus admitted.

"Does that mean you'll never do it again?"

"Perhaps," was all Severus conceded, though he knew that once Harry turned fourteen, he would cease using that particular punishment.  Fourteen was too old to spank effectively and he could think up much worse punishments besides. Not to mention, I think I hurt my hand, Severus thought ruefully, rubbing the sting from it on the couch cushion when Harry wasn't looking.

"You're mean, Dad."

"I know," laughed the professor.  "Deal with it." Then he hugged his son hard before letting him go.  "Wash your face and then come back and have some tea with me. All right?"

Harry nodded, knowing that was Severus's way of burying the hatchet.  Then he went into the bathroom to wash his face and rub his bottom.  It didn't hurt anything like when Vernon beat him, but it was quite uncomfortable.  Damn it all, Dad! I'm too old to spank! He thought rebelliously, then he went out to join his father at the table, his stinging bottom reminding him pointedly of the consequences of disobeying Severus Snape, the wicked old bat!

Harry snuck a quick glance at his father, thanking God Severus couldn't really read minds.  Otherwise Harry would be in trouble forever.

Then he reached for a warm cinnamon scone and slathered it with butter. His father did likewise and all was forgiven between them.