"Our topic for today is... spanking."

Every pair of eyes in the room turned abruptly to the Headmaster. More than one mouth fell open in surprise, and Irma Pince's teacup clattered back into its saucer. Minerva McGonagall sniffed disapprovingly, while Rolanda Hooch gave a low chuckle.

Severus Snape merely raised a brow in inquiry at his superior, obviously unperturbed. And Remus Lupin's eyes moved to gaze at Severus Snape.

"Spanking?" Professor Flitwick squeaked disbelievingly. "Albus, surely you're joking!"

"Just what do you mean by spanking?" Professor Sprout asked, wringing her hands and looking concerned.

The sound of a palm impacting firm, pale flesh, reddening it delightfully. A gasp, followed by a plea...

The Potions Master's midnight eyes turned to the werewolf, almost as though sensing his thoughts.

"Corporal punishment, Pomona," the Headmaster replied. "The Board of Directors is concerned that detentions are not a sufficient method of punishment, and wish us to debate the merits of paddling."

A round of wood, its flat surface covered with silk velvet. The handle wrapped in crimson leather, ensuring a good grip. Light taps at first, teasingly scattered over the angular mounds, gradually becoming harder. Chastisements uttered in a low growl, met with moans. And then the writhing...

Now the black brow arched up, the gaze sharpening.

"I do not approve," Minerva said angrily. "I am a teacher, and I don't believe we have to result to inflicting physical pain as a means of maintaining..."

Discipline. No, you may not... not until I give you permission. Oh, that was very bad of you. I think ten more whacks are in order. One... two... harder, you say? Very well...

An evil smile curved the dark-haired wizard's thin lips. Remus didn't drop his eyes.

"I don't know about that, Minerva," Hooch drawled. "Some of the students can sit through detention after detention, and it doesn't seem to bother them in the slightest. Perhaps just the threat of spanking will help keep them in line. And if you ask me, some of the little monsters could do with being..."

Bent over my knee. Hardness pressed against my thigh as my hand descends sharply...

"Severus? Remus? Do either of you have an opinion?" Dumbledore asked.

Black and amber eyes turned to meet twinkling blue.

"I believe I will withhold my opinion on the subject, Headmaster, until I have the opportunity to perform some research," the Potions Master drawled in a silky voice. "It is not one with which I have enough experience to give an informed decision at this time."

"I concur," Remus agreed, nodding seriously. "It is not something to make a hasty judgment about. I too would like a chance to perform some research."

The Headmaster nodded gravely, although the twinkling of his eyes never stopped. "That is probably the best course, to be sure. Irma? Will you see what psychology texts you have on hand, and make them available to the staff? I would like everyone to take a few days, research the pros and cons, and we will meet again next week to reach a consensus. Now, if there is nothing else, I believe that's everything... Good evening, everyone."

Remus stood, then moved into the hall. He remained there, waiting until Severus walked by him, then spoke in a low voice. "Care to perform that research together?"

"Perhaps," Severus responded. "Although we will need to see what information Irma is able to find."

"I have a selection of materials in my rooms," the werewolf said, amber eyes glowing slightly.

"Indeed," the Potions Master replied noncommitally. "How terribly well prepared of you."

"I believe in preparation," Remus nodded, turning down the hallway that lead towards his quarters.

He paused, looking over his shoulder at where Severus had stopped. The dark-haired wizard stood gazing back at him watchfully. "Coming with me?"

A smirk curved Severus' lips. "I sincerely hope so," he said dryly.