He was a Gryffindor. He looked exactly like his tormentor. Deep breaths did not block out his beloved's final days. Pacing did nothing to appease the mixture of shock, fear, anger, and regret. Would those blasted feelings ever go away? Or would they forever torment him? Would he never stop being punished?

Severus Snape finally stopped wearing out his rug when he heard a knock at his door. Who in bloody hell dared to disturb him that night? Did no one afford him even a few hours to dwell? If Dumbledore wanted to talk more about the Potter spawn, he'd tell him where to go! He would!

"What in Merlin's beard…" The Potions Master spat as he swung back his heavy black door. All insults died on his lips when he spotted the one person he loved without reserve. "My dragon. What have we here?"

"Professor." Draco Malfoy never cowered for anyone save his mother or Severus. Lucius would never allow such fault and so Draco pretended he feared nothing in the Death Eater's presence.

His little one was frightened. That would never do. Severus ushered the small child inside. "What's the meaning of this, Draco? You can't wander at will! There are rules here."

"I know, sir, but…" Draco's eyes were wide as he looked up, wordlessly seeking permission.

Severus' sigh loosened his entire body. All hope of treating the littlest Malfoy like any other student died. "Just this once," he said though he knew it was a feeble warning.

His words rewarded him with a small smile as little arms reached up. "You are too big for this. Really." Yet, even as he spoke, he pulled the child up to his chest. "What has your trousers in a twist? Surely, you haven't gotten yourself in trouble already?" Salazar, Severus hoped his House hadn't been docked points.

"No, godfather." Draco glanced up nervously. "Potter? Father said I should make friends, but he doesn't like me. He likes Weasley better!" Moisture finally filled his pretty grey eyes as hours of frustration were released. "I tried to warn him! Honest I did! I told him our House was best and that Weasley was the wrong sort…I did!"

Red-hot anger filled Severus' soul. Naturally the scamp wouldn't take to Draco. "You don't need Mr. Potter, Draco. He's exactly like his father, I'm sure. Worse, probably." How could he not be? He was the bloody Boy Who Lived! "You deserve to carve your own spot here. You are brilliant, child."

Severus didn't care Lucius only gave him rights to Draco to secure Severus' loyalty. He hadn't wanted such a position, but Draco had quickly earned a spot in the dark man's heart. So much so that Severus vowed he'd never wind up in Regulus Black's position. Lucius would have his only son follow blindly, but Severus knew what pain that caused. Not everyone could escape rightful punishment like Lucius. And even if they missed a trip to Azkaban? Most weren't fortune enough to lack remorse. No, Severus' precious boy would grow up to fall in love and escape the tortured life his godfather led.

"But father…" Worried lines creased Draco's forehead and Severus silently cursed Lucius.

"I will speak to your father. He will see that Potter is not fit company." The bundle in his arm burrowed into his chest and Severus hugged it fiercely. "Still, Draco, our relationship must not be so obvious. You will be my favorite student; that much you know, but you cannot cling to me so clearly."

His gentle counsel was met with sniffles that broke his heart. "No, no, child. I only meant you cannot seek me without permission. An owl will do. Or a house elf. It will only take a few extra seconds, I promise." He did not need one of the pesky prefects or staff punishing his boy. No one save Severus would have that right at Hogwarts.

His demand was met with a scowl, but Draco nodded his understanding. He rarely pushed his godfather lest he forgot what a slipper to his backside felt like.

"Good boy." Severus reluctantly released the child. "Here…" He scribbled a note. "Hold this and show it to anyone who asks why you're meandering the halls. And straight back to your dorm, little sir."

Draco noted the warning tone and nodded again. "Yes, sir." He spared another small smile before squeezing his godfather's hand. "Goodnight."

"Sleep well, my precious dragon. Go now. Quickly."