"Indeed you have. I have been searching for him for some time," Severus said archly as he swept into the room. He saw Faustus sitting on the floor on a blanket with Ben, his shoulders hunched and his head turned away. It was such a familiar posture that he came to an abrupt halt. How many times had he looked like that when his father had descended on him with a belt in his hand?
He sighed with a mix of irritation, exasperation and resignation. "Faustus, come here."
He saw his son's shoulders tense and he could tell the boy was thinking of disobeying. Then he sighed and got to his feet, walking over slowly, his head bowed, his steps dragging. Faustus stopped in front of him but didn't look up. It was altogether a quite impressive display of sullen misery, worthy of his own childhood. Lily would have been laughing by now.
He arched an eyebrow at that random thought then dismissed it. He reached out and tucked his fingers under Faustus' chin, raising the boy's head. His lips thinned a little when he saw the misery, anger, hurt and resignation in Faustus' eyes.
"Say goodbye to Professor Boot and Ben," he said calmly.