A new beginning

The first morning

First, and foremost, I would like to thank all of the people that have left lovely comments throughout the story. I have responded to each of you to express my gratitude but there are few of you that commented as guests, and therefore, I cannot thank directly. All of your comments are appreciated and definitely keep me motivated to keep writing. Honestly, thank you very much.

Secondly, please be warned again that this story does contain corporal punishment. If this is not something you agree with or are fine reading do not continue reading. For more warnings and information refer to chapter twelve as well as the story description.

Lastly, I hope you enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think (in a respectful way please).

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Snape was terrible.

As soon as Harry woke up and walked into the parlour, he was ordered around. First, he was sent back to change the moment he was spotted still in his pajamas. Something along the lines of: "I do not recall any reason as to why you would think you would be able to traipse around my parlour in such a state of disarray." There was more stuff, some "you better change into proper clothing this instant" and "learn to behave like a civilized person," but he had stopped really paying attention by that time. He got it. Snape wanted him to change. There was no need to go on and on about it.

Then there was breakfast itself. Unlike his 'greeting,' the whole ordeal had been a quiet one. Snape had his face hidden behind a crisp newspaper. Occasionally, the very soft clinking of the professor's cup of coffee would travel across the table, but it was not enough to stop Harry from feeling self-conscious every time his spoon collided somewhat noisily against the sides of the bowl he was eating out of. Snape did not say anything, but Harry felt as though his silence carried a heavier meaning than actual words.

Harry scrunched up his face as he stared at the objects in front of him. This really was not fair.

"You said I wouldn't be punished" claimed Harry in a disappointed tone. This was the most annoying bit Snape had done all morning. Simply transfigured the items on the table into writing utensils, not saying a word. Just waited for him to realize and accept that he was meant to do lines.

"I did nothing of the sort." huffed Snape, finally lowering his newspaper, just enough for his glare to meet the green eyes. "The fact that I did not assign you a punishment the night before did not mean you would go without one." He took a deep breath, willing himself to manage the frustration. It was too early for this. So far, the morning had been relatively quiet, allowing him to enjoy his coffee, but he was still not ready to deal with the child. "You will begin those immediately-"

"But that's not fair," almost whined Harry. It wasn't. Snape had not mentioned anything about being punished, and if he was made to do lines today, that meant there was still a chance that Snape thought he needed further punishment and that, that was not good at all. It was one thing to have the man remind him that he should expect consequences and another to be at risk of receiving them. It was nerve-wracking.

At the same time, he knew he needed to stop. He was beginning to sound like a little child and he hated that, but he could not help himself. The same feeling from the night before resurfaced the longer he stood arguing with Snape. He could not stop his mouth from pushing a bit more. A sort of terrifying panic settled in as a nagging sensation at the back of his head. It was not something he could quite put his finger on, but it made him bold enough to challenge the professor. "I could change my mind." He looked expectantly towards Snape. "I could change my mind and leave the castle so that I don't have to do them."

Snape closed his mouth into a tight line. He stared at the child. His first impulse was to scold Potter. Was he really going back on his word simply because he felt he was above completing a set of well-deserved lines? That was ridiculous. He thought Potter would value both their words more and...