Prologue

October 15, 1997

Draco hated paroling. Clutching his wand tightly, he made his way down the dimly lit corridor, hoping not to run into anyone. He walked down the length of the first floor hallway, from the Great Hall and past the empty classroom, circling back to the staircases that led to the dungeons. He apprehensively eyed the shadowy corners and wondered if his shift was over. It was just past midnight. Behind him, the great oak doors, flanked by stone armor, seemed impossibly vast and immoveable. Part of him wanted to run past, into the night. Perhaps he could hide in the Forbidden Forest, live among the centaurs. Perhaps he could even run away somewhere, change his name. He had a wand, what else did he need?

Click click click

The unmistakeable sound of footsteps pulled Draco from his thoughts. He turned quickly, wand held aloft. His expression hardened when he saw who it was – a small girl, a first year by the looks of it. She had long brown and her face was contorted in fear as she faced him. She shook as she realized who it was, clutching her black robes about her. He guessed that she was a Hufflepuff, since she had been approaching the stairway that led to the kitchen.

"What are you doing out of bed?" He demanded.

The girl's mouth opened but no sound came out. There was a bruise on her face.

"C-coming back from detention, sir," she faltered. Tears filled her eyes. "Please, let me pass."

Draco hesitated. "What for?"

"I had a copy of the Quibbler, sir. Didn't know it was banned..."

Draco was careful to keep the pity off his face. He regarded her coldly. "And whom did you serve the detention with?"

"Ms Carrow, sir."

Shit. He said nothing. He knew that over the past hour, the child in front of him had been subject to the Cruciatus. A familiar feeling of anger and utter anguish filled him, a mixture he had been feeling more and more frequently.

He started as once again, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Someone was starting down the adjoining staircase that led up to first floor. Heavy boots this time, not the light steps of the girl in front of him. Draco swore under his breath, but could not see who was approaching – the hallway was too dark. The girl whimpered in fear.

"Go," he hissed to her.

She hurried past him, disappearing down the dark stairs. He noticed her clear limp as a hobbled away. He turned quickly and once again raised his wand as a figure emerged at the landing of the marble steps.

Snape.

His face betrayed no emotion. Draco knew he'd seen the girl.

The new Headmaster wore high-necked formal robes as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Mr Malfoy," he said smoothly. "Did you finish your shift?"

"Yes, sir," Draco answered curtly.

"Nothing out of the ordinary?"

"Everything's quiet, sir."

"Good. Then off to bed, Draco."

Draco nodded, pocketing his wand and turning towards the set of staircases at the other end of the hall that led to the Slytherin common room. As he did, something caught his eye – a flash of red. He glanced quickly to wear the headmaster stood at the foot of the marble stairs but saw nothing. He didn't show his confusion but went quickly through the open doors that led to the dungeon. His exhaustion went bone deep. He'd worry about it tomorrow.

/

Severus watched Draco depart, disappearing into the dungeons.

"He saw you," he whispered harshly to the red-haired woman beside him. "You must be more careful!"

"The Disillusionment Charm is wearing off," she answered him. "And he'll find out sooner or later."

"He cannot know yet," Snape countered, keeping his voice low. "He isn't ready."

Next to him, she laughed. Quietly, sadly.