AN: No I have not abandoned my other stories I am simply adding another to the collection. ^_^ Hope you guys like this one. Oh and I re-wrote this from my story Youthful eyes.

A Childs Redemption

By Yurushi-chan

Chapter 1: Toil and Trouble

Draco stared at the bundle of clothes on the floor. What in the world just happened? This wasn't right...! He paled and his hands shook violently as she sank to his knees. God they were going to kill him!

Draco had been assigned a mission by the dark lord. A mission that could literally make or break him. He wasn't stupid, he knew that Voldemort did not intend for him to succeed. His mission was supposed to be doomed, he was supposed to die or be sent to Azkaban, his future ruined. It was a suicide mission.

And…It was supposed to be punishment for his fathers failure in obtaining the full prophesy.

Draco idolized his father, he knew it wasn't the mans fault, it was that dammed Harry Potter! The fucking "savior" had messed up everything. If it wasn't for Potter, Draco's family would not be the ones suffering. The Dark Lord did not forgive mistakes easily, and Draco had to take the fall this time. He didn't really want the dark mark, he would have preferred to stay neutral, it would have been the smart thing, the Slytherin thing to do…to just wait for the winner then join them. But the Dark Lord did not accept such decisions. To not choose a side would have been just as traitorous as choosing the light. And that wouldn't have even mattered except his mother and father already bore the Dark mark.

So he suffered through the initiation and endured the brand being sealed into his ivory skin. For his parents.

His had assignment…his suicide mission was to kill Harry Potter. The golden boy would have more eyes on him for protection then the minister of magic himself. He knew that just as well as anyone. To make things worse they were both in Hogwarts. The old castle had hundreds of protection wards that could not be broken easily because they were tied to the current Headmaster, only dormant when a new headmaster was being chosen. If he used a dark arts spell then the Hogwarts wards would either deflect it, or signal the headmaster. He knew very well he didn't have the hate to execute the killing curse, and anyways dark spells wouldn't kill instantly. These were the only type of spells that would kill without delay, in which the Headmaster could reach, and possibly save the target.

He didn't have the insane state of mind needed to stab his rival either, he was not like his aunt Beletrix in that he could kill so gruesomely. So that left potions. Potions that he had to brew himself.

It had taken a whole month to brew Gregory's Unctuous Unction, he had worked on it tirelessly because his father (who was in Azkaban anyways) and godfather had been forbidden to help him. He didn't buy it because one had to make it themselves for it to work properly. Once the drinker had consumed it, they would believe that whomever gave the potion to him or her was their best friend.

It was perfect because it wouldn't kill the student so it would not alert the Headmaster. At the same time, once Harry completely and totally trusted Draco he could lead him off the grounds and to a place where apparition was possible with the password he had learned last year from Professor Snape. It was a very small point, impossible to apparate into with out being totally splinched, but it was perfect for disapparation side long or otherwise though it too would alert the headmaster.

So the plan was quite simple.

Part one: Draco would corner the dark haired target an empty class room, and shove the vial down the boys throat. After which the target would follow Draco and believe that the blond was his best friend, and that he would never lie to him.

Part two: Using the newfound trust of the Boy-who-lived. Draco would lead him to the disapperation point at the very edge of the Hogsmead gates.

Part three: Draco would use side long apparation to bring Potter passed the wards and allow the death eaters(namely his aunt Belatrix, or his mother) to finish the job.

Part one went with out a hitch. Draco had sent a hex that had split the bottom of Potters bag and sent all the boys stuff spilling just as the second bell had rung. Then as Draco thought he would, Potter sent his friends ahead and went to gather his stuff. Once the halls were clear Draco emerged from his spot in a darkened corner, hit Potter with a weak Confundus Charm, then shoved his rival into an empty class room and shoved the vial into his mouth.

That was when things started to go awry. Instead of going into the appropriate trance, Dumbledores golden boy shrunk…and shrunk…and shrunk…until there was nothing left but the pile of clothes and school robes on the floor.

God what was he going to do?

A movement caught his eye and he focused back on the pile. What the? Draco swallowed and crawled closer. Nervously he reached out and pulled away the top most layer.

"Where did you come from?" he whispered upon discovering a child who couldn't have been older then two culled up in the pile of clothes. The child was silent, and shivering. It blinked open it's eyes and Draco felt his blood run cold. He knew only one person who had eyes that shade of green.

"P-Potter?" he stuttered incredulously. Hands still shaking he reached for the child but pulled away when it made a sound of distress and flinched.

Though he would never admit it to anyone, for it would literally be the death of him, Draco had always had a soft spot for children. He had only actually interacted with one once, two years ago. It had been a muggle child, so small, and helpless, it had been about the same age as the one in front of him now. His father had taken him with him on a mission on the Dark Lords orders. It was supposed to give him a taste of what he would be doing once he too took the dark mark.

He had been forced to watch as Death eaters tormented the child after it had watched them raped then killed it's mother. He hadn't really thought of it until now, but perhaps those screams were the reason he wanted to remain neutral in the first place. To kill so thoughtlessly…so heartlessly? It seemed so easy when his aunt had done it, but when he had been told to kill the father…he just couldn't do it.

The teen ran his fingers though his blond hair in frustration--this wasn't him. He wasn't usually one to think of the moral aspect of his decisions; he just did what he needed to, and damn the affect it had on others. That was the Malfoy way.

Could he really do this? It was one thing to hand over Potter for torture and death--Potter, whom he had feuded with since first year. Yet it was entirely another thing to send them a helpless child, even if he wasn't the one finishing the deed.

Panicking, he gathered the child and clothing in his arms, murmuring random soothing words as the toddler struggled. He had two choices, he could give the little one over to the death eaters, or he could fess up and beg Dumbledore for protection. There were a number of pro's and cons to either side.

If he took this young Harry to the death eaters, he didn't think he could live with himself. The difference between the teen and this child was so distinct, like they were different people almost. It was difficult to see the arrogance of Dumbledore's golden boy when looking into those innocent emerald eyes. He knew it wasn't gone, that this was still the same person…but… The confliction tore at him.

The danger was nearly just as real if he chose to go to Dumbledore. He ran the risk of being sent to Azkaban for trying to kill the wizarding worlds hero. Was he willing to possibly make that sacrifice, for some one he hated no less? It was his life or Potters at this point. He knew he was ruined on either side he chose, but was he ready for that public humiliation?

"M'srry, m'srry, m'srry!"

Draco looked down startled. The little boy, his rival, was trembling in fear, tears running down his face as he mumbled something with a child's accent.

"M'srry, m'srry, m'srry!" he choked out in Draco's arms.

Then it hit him, Potter was apologizing! He was saying he was sorry! Those were two words Draco couldn't remember hearing from the green eyed boy in all the years he'd known him. He then made the mistake of meeting those teary eyes.

"Shit…" he muttered, still shaking himself.

To repeat, they were going to kill him.

There was only one thing for it, and though he was half sure it nearly as suicidal as going to the dark lord, it would be for sure less painful, physically at least.

Anyways he was a Slytherin, and Slytherins turned anything they could to their advantage. This could be used as an advantage, If he sided with the light, or at the very least with Harry Potter then if they won he would have many new connections opened. He would have to cut all ties with his family, but that was ok it would keep them safe. As long as he made it obvious he was betraying his patents, that he "wanted" them to pay for making him take the fall…then Voldemort would likely leave them alone.

He took a deep breath and made his choice. "Come one Potter." he murmured as he left the class room. He glanced around, grateful when he found the halls empty. Every one would still be in class which made it the best time. He steeled himself and carried the child towards the Headmaster office. When he reached the stone gargoyle he was surprised when it jumped aside for him almost immediately with out any kind of password. He stepped on to the rising stairs letting them lift him to the door. Cold sweat dripped down the back of his neck as he opened him mouth to ask for entrance.

"Come on in Mr. Malfoy." said and aged voice before Draco could utter a sound. Draco set his face smooth and awkwardly pulled Harry to one arm to open the door. It was then the blond realized how incredibly light the child was, even for a three year old.

Holding back a frown Draco stepped into the office. He found the Headmaster sitting at his desk his elbows rested and his hands clasped on the surface. When Dumbledore saw them his eyes widened in actual surprise.

"So this is how it turns." the wizard muttered as he stood and walked around to the front of the desk. "You wished to speak to me my boy?"

Droco narrowed his eyes, the old man knew something. He banished his suspicion, the man may have been nosey, but he was forgiving, he had accepted Severus after all Perhaps if he was honest he too would get a second chance. "I need you help." he said bluntly, shifting the weight in his arms.

"So it would seem, may I presume this…" he gestured at the child. Draco followed the gaze.

"This is Potter…" he winced as the babe whimpered. God how had pompous Potter turned out to be so meek? He should be acting like a spoiled brat.

The old man nodded his eyes wise with understanding. "Ah.." was his vague response. He then went silent, obviously waiting for Draco to continue.

This was it. He couldn't really turn back now but what he said would determine how he was treated among the light. He could Pussy foot it, a cowardly thing to do, and let the old Codger choose the safest path for him. Or…he could make the decision himself by stating what he wanted flat out. He knew what would be best in the long run. He could not let Dumbledore believe he had full control over him.

"I...I don't want to be a death eater…" he confessed gritting his teeth. The headmaster smiled at that. Of course he had, the son of two key Death eaters had said they wanted to switch sides.

"Is that so…" he said lightly, his eyes twinkling. Draco barely refrained from rolling his own.

"Yes." he said more resolutely. "I…can't kill, I can't do what they want…not even to Potter." he confessed. 'Especially with him like this.' he thought shaking his head and tightening his grip on the babe if ever so slightly.

"That was the assignment…to kill Potter…but I can't. Not even if I wanted to. He knows that…he wants me to fail so he can kill me myself." He admitted, more to himself then anyone else. Suddenly the door burst open. Draco had his wand out ready to strike, but paused when he saw who it was. 'Severus!' He thought paling, surely the man would tell the Dark Lord of his betrayal. That would not be good this early. He needed to plan more first before he was revealed a traitor.

"Headmaster! I believe Mr. Malfoy is making his move. Neither he nor Potter were in my class... he…" Snape froze only then realizing who was in the room. The mans eyes widened and a very light hint of pink stained his cheeks, obviously embarrassed for not checking who was in the room.

Draco meanwhile felt his mind scrabbling for a reason his godfather would rat him out. Did the dark lord want him in Azkaban rather then torture him himself?

"Thank you Severus for keeping me informed, but as you can see, I have the matter in hand, young Mr. Malfoy here has decided to switch sides." Dumbledore responded gently.

It clicked then, it was obvious now, "You're the spy!" Draco couldn't help but hiss in realization. The child whimpered again and Draco brought his focus back to him. He murmured some nonsense words urging him to calm down.

When he looked up both men were staring at him. Dumbledore was practically glowing with happiness, and Snape looked rather disturbed.

"What?" Draco snapped feeling extremely embarrassed. It was almost comforting to find his Godfather was still on his side, yet it made him nervous too. Snape would still have to report the failure to the dark lord he was sure.

"Is that child…Potter?" Snape asked, eyes wide. He seemed slightly panicked, of course his position had been reviled, and the child he hated was now much too young, so he had good reason.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, though I'm not quite sure how that came about." he looked at Draco questioningly.

Draco had the grace to look properly ashamed, if not for his actions, then for his mess up. "The potion didn't work like it was supposed to." he mumbled a small blush creeping up on his own cheeks.

Snape shook his head frowning "Explain." he ordered. Draco looked away, his godfather was going to be so pissed, he knew it.

"Part of my plan was to have potter dink Gregory's Unctuous Unction." he admitted quietly, he shifted the babe again. "Something seems to have gone wrong when I brewed it though because this was the result."

Severus glared at him but Draco refused to meet his eye. "I want to see the ingredients you used, and the place you brewed later he drawled in obvious annoyance. Draco couldn't help but wince

"The question is what we should do now…" Dumbledore intervened in wisely. "Mr Malfoy, would you be willing to take veritaserum?"

Draco paused. Veritaserum? Well, this was bigger then he thought if Dumbledore wanted to be so absolute. Having been firm in his decision, and having nothing to hide he nodded.

Some unknown signal sent Snape from the room, likely to get said serum and Draco sank into one of the few chairs in the office.

"Perhaps it would be best if I held Harry while you are questioned hmm?" Dumbledore stood and held out his arms making it clear that it wasn't a suggestion. Perhaps he wanted to be sure that Harry did not become attached to him before the headmaster was sure of his loyalties, it was had to say. Draco was surprised when he felt reluctance to hand the child over, nonetheless he did as he was told.

The moment Harry was in the elderly mans arms he started to fuss.

"M'srry, m'srry, m'srry!" he chanted tears dripping from his eyes as he struggled to be set down. His chin was tucked to his chest and he looked as if he expected to be struck.

"Now, now Harry my boy. It's alright, no one will hurt you." Dumbledore tried to sooth him, though his own eyes seemed troubled. Harry would not be consoled.

"What's wrong with him?" said Draco stoically, he refuse to show how much those cries of terror pierced him. "He did the same thing when I first picked him up."

Dumbledore simply shook his head. "I do not know." he said worriedly. The apologies became a bit louder, and nothing the old man did seemed to make things any better.

"Let me try."Draco pulled the child away. Immediately the cries ceased and the boy trembled quietly in the blonds arms.

"It seems you'll have to hold him after all." His eyes were no longer twinkling.

Draco snorted, 'As if that isn't obvious.' he thought annoyed

The old man ignored him and crouched to Harry's level.

"Harry do you remember me?" he asked gently. The only response he got was further crying.

Dumbledore straightened as Severus returned, striding into the room gracefully, his robes billowing out behind him as always. "I have the vials sir." he said stiffly.

Draco straightened in his seat as the greasy haired man approached him. Their eyes met and for a brief moment Draco could see the worry in his teachers eyes. Then the coldness of indifference returned and Draco obediently opened his mouth. He felt Severus drip three drops carefully, and saw him back away out of the corner of his eye. The blonde felt the potion take effect immediately, his muscles going slack as he sunk almost bonelessly into the chair, a sort of fog taking over his mind. He couldn't think clearly at all in the haze and barely registered that Harry was still on his lap.

"What is your full name?" Snape asked stiffly.

"Draconis Lucias Malfoy" was Draco's loose response.

"What was your mission assigned to you by the Dark Lord"

"To kill Harry Potter."

"Why are you in the headmasters office?"

"To ask for protection as I join Harry Potters side"

"Why to you want to switch you alliances?"

"To live, and so I do not have to kill the innocent."

The look Snape gave the headmaster barely registered in Dracos fogged mind.

"Will you protect Harry Potter?" that was Dumbledore.

"So long as I do not have to kill the innocent." Was Dracos answer.

Snape then dripped the antidote into his mouth and Draco felt his awareness return.

"It would be wise to have Poppy look Harry over." commented Dumbledore. Snape snorted and Draco unconsciously pulled Harry closer to his chest. He frowned inwardly once he had realized what he had done and forced himself to loosen his hold. This was Potter, Draco had to remember that, Even if he was a little kid now, didn't mean he wasn't the spoiled ass he had grown up to know and loathe. He grimaced and focused on the situation.

Snape nodded and went to the fire place tossing some floo powder from the mantle into the flames before sticking his head in.

"Afterwards, it might be best to take him to his home. He would be safest there, especially in this vulnerable state." At Draco's questioning look he explained. "There are blood wards there, no death eater could get to him so long as they intended harm."

Draco nodded, it made sense to him. "Professor Snape might be able to fix him." he said shrugging. It was a reluctant suggestion, because he knew that once Porret returned to normal, his decision would weigh on him.

Dumbledore smiled. "Perhaps, if he can figure out what went wrong." he allowed.

Then Snape was back again and Madam Pomfrey stepped out of the fireplace.

"What has that boy gotten himself into this time?" the woman asked half worried, half exasperated.

"I assure you Poppy, he had no choice in it." Dumbledore tried to sooth her.

Pomfrey scowled "That boy has been in the infirmary at least ten times more then any student." she argued frustrated. "Now where is he?" she glanced around as if expecting him to show himself.

"Over here." said Draco stoically. The woman bustled over and gasped.

"He really has reverted." she said worriedly. She then took in Harry's meek state and her demeanor darkened considerably. "Have you done anything to him?" she snapped at Draco darkly, glaring at him suspiciously.

Draco knew immediately what she was insinuating and scowled. "Nothing other then turning him to a child." he said coldly. He noted that his harsh voice caused Harry to tremble further. Pomfrey stared at him for a moment before turning her suspicious look at the other two men in the room.

"No one in this room has harmed him Poppy." Dumbledore promised her.

The woman clicked her tongue disapprovingly and raised her wand to cast her usual diagnostic spells. The raised piece of wood sent the child into another bout of apologies. Draco frowned did Harry really believe that Pomfrey would hit him? The woman eyed him again but cast the spells quickly before tucking her wand away. "This can't be right…" she muttered crouching, as Dumbledore had, to Harry's level.

"What is the problem?" Albus inquired.

Poppy shook her head. "Physically Mr. Potter looks like a small three year old, or maybe a large two year old but according to my diagnostics he is about five. He is also extremely malnourished and dehydrated which may be part of the problem of his size. He also has multiple lacerations on his back and stomach as well as several hair thin fractures through out many of the bones in his body. If I'm right, then he has been starved and beaten... recently too."

Draco blinked. How was that possible? He hadn't one anything but pick Potter up, it couldn't have been his fault.

"Perhaps…" everyone turned their attention back to Dumbledore. He seemed older and more weary then usual, and his eyes had a worried look to them.

"Headmaster?" Severus inquired when the old man did not continue his thought.

"He may have reverted exactly to his age of five. Albus continued. "His relatives…I knew that Petunia had difficulty accepting her sisters abilities, but I did not believe that she would hold those prejudices against her orphaned nephew." he said sadly.

Everyone stared incredulously, but it was Pomfrey who exploded. "You mean to tell me Albus, that these wounds may have been caused by his own blood family!?"

"I am not positive Poppy." Dumbledore argued pinching the bridge of his nose. "But if that is the case, I owe a great deal to Harry."

Draco couldn't help but stare, mouth agape as the headmaster admitted his folly. The great and powerful had made a mistake, and not only that but had quite possibly sent The-Boy-Who-Lived into danger, abuse even. He collected himself and glanced a Severus whom was ash white. His father had mentioned that his godfather had gone through abuse himself at the hands of his muggle father. To add salt to the wound, the professor had quite possibly added to the misery of abuse. The young malfoy heir took a moment to examine how he himself felt. He found that he was actually quite shocked. Like Severus, he had come to believe that Potter had been spoiled as a child, given all he wanted for defeating the Dark Lord. It was quite a rocking experience to discover all he knew about his rival was a façade. But…he amended, he couldn't be sure.

"We must know the truth." said Dumbledore, mirroring his thoughts. "Severus, would you please go, after your classes of course, to number 4 private drive and look over the house hold?"

Draco's godfather nodded knowing a dismissal when he heard one and exited the room. Just what had Draco done to deserve this torture, he wondered. Well besides being a total spoiled prat of course, that was a given.