A/N: This is a joint fic written by me and Thanatos Angelos Girl. I came up with the initial idea for the fic, but it was the wonderful Thanatos Angelos Girl who helped me shape this story into what it is now. We're both very proud of what we've come up with, and we also hope those of who read this enjoy it just as much. This is going to be fun!

Draco POV

The door of the Headmistress's Office closed louder and more forcefully than I intended it to, but I just chalked that up to the remainder of the pent-up anger that had overcome me during my trek from the Great Hall to here. I mean, who could blame me, considering the oh so pleasant start I had to my day.

Right after breakfast, less than half an hour ago, I had stood up from my usual seat at the Slytherin table to head for my first class of the day. Not three seconds after I had done that, to my horror, my school robes had suddenly been replaced with a bright pink dress. The laughter of every student in the Great Hall still rang in my ears, as did the thought that I now knew what a pain in the ass a dress could be when there was a draft.

But that isn't important. What is important is the fact that Potter and Weasley were the ones behind the prank. Maybe Granger too, but I don't know. All I know for certain is that it was Weasley who had had his wand aimed directly at me when I looked up towards the Gryffindor table, and it was Potter who had a smile on his face that clearly said, "Yeah. My idea." Suffice it to say that my attempt to wipe that smile off his bespectacled face caused Professor Flitwick to send me up here with a deduction of 25 points from Slytherin. That was, of course, after my robes had been replaced.

Oh yeah, my 7th year at Hogwarts was definitely off to a good start.

Fortunately, Professor McGonagall wasn't in her office at the moment. She must have been off on some Headmistress duty somewhere in the castle or what not. At any rate, it was just me and the vast array of Headmaster portraits, most of whom were still asleep, alone in the office. However, there was really only one that I was interested in talking to right now. So, letting out a soft sigh, I walked over to where Severus Snape's portrait was positioned on the wall.

Ever since I had begun my final year at Hogwarts, which had been delayed due to the Second War, I found that whenever I needed guidance or words of support, Snape's portrait was where I was most welcome. Thankfully, McGonagall seemed to understand that. And from the time that 7th year had begun three weeks ago, I needed that support more often than usual.

You see, the Second War changed me. After seeing firsthand the horrors Dark Wizards are capable of, the prospect of bullying and blood supremacy seemed rather stupid. At least…it did temporarily. But, c'mon, could anybody blame me? Near the middle of the summer, I had at least tried to square things with Potter. Okay, so maybe it hadn't helped that I greatly insulted his friends and had suspended him upside down from a tree branch using his shoelaces, but that was after we'd been having a pretty heated argument. I still don't know how I got out of there without getting cursed. At least, not until now. And so that was the start of Potter's campaign against me.

Maybe I just need to work on my people skills. Then again, my parents were at the start of a year-long jail sentence as a result of our involvement in the War, so some slack could be cut my way.

Anyway, Snape looking down at me brought me back to the present.

"Trouble, Draco?" he asked in a knowing tone. Oh, what do you know? First year flashbacks…

"Yeah," I said in a voice that was somewhere between a grunt and a sigh. "It's just-"

"Another practical joke from Potter?"

I nodded.

"What did he do this time?"

"I'd…rather not say." I think I felt my face burn slightly.

Snape leaned back in the armchair in his portrait. "That would make…how many in three weeks? I must say, Draco, I thought you would've struck back by now. What's stopping you?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but found Snape's question holding my tongue. What was holding me back? Maybe I was becoming too soft-hearted.

"Well," Snape continued, "I feel it only prudent to give you some advice. Or perhaps it would be more effective if I showed you." Upon my confused look, Snape's eyes traveled to a spot behind me. "Step on the third stone out from the wall opposite you."

Filled with a great deal of curiosity, I turned around to stare at the wall Snape was talking about. From what I could see, all there was to that wall was a great big bookshelf with more portraits above it, and above those were windows through which sunlight was streaming. I'd never been in the Headmaster's Office, so I had no idea of the secrets of it.

"Go on," I heard Snape say behind me.

Still not knowing the purpose of all this, I did as told. I counted to the third stone out from the center of the wall, and stepped on it, partly prepared for…well, I don't know what. However, I was required to jump back as part of the bookcase moved outward in a circular motion, revealing a small area that housed both an assortment of glowing vials and…

"A Penseive," I breathed as I turned back around to face Snape.

"Indeed," Snape confirmed. "Second row from the top, fourth vial over is the vial you want. Minerva still hasn't gotten rid of all my memories yet. And though this one you're about to see is rather…embarrassing, it will nonetheless prevent you from making the same mistake I did when I was in your position."

"What are you-" I started, but was cut off by Snape pointing a finger towards the Penseive.

I admit, I still wasn't sure what to make of all this, but I decided to play along anyway.

I stepped up to the Penseive, found the right memory vial, poured the contents into the stone basin and gave Snape one final look before dipping my head through the swirling surface.

The memory I viewed while in the Penseive is still a blur to me, but I remember there being teenage versions of Snape and Potter's father in it, and the main event being teenage Snape hoisted upside down in the air and having his underwear exposed to bunch of laughing students. I was indeed reminded of the dress incident from this morning. The next thing I knew, I was back in McGonagall's office and facing Snape's portrait once again, asking the first question that came to mind.

"Why did you show me this?"

"To help you," replied Snape simply. "Where you are right now, I've been there myself, Draco. And I don't wish to see you suffer the same way I did. So, unless you want to continue being Potter's plaything, fight back. Also, I believe Potter could do with some humility, so make it happen."

I could definitely see Snape's point, and I certainly wanted to get back at Potter, but I just didn't know how. And I voiced that concern to Snape.

"I'm sure you'll think of something," he said in return.

Just then, there came the sound of movement from the other side of the office door. Quickly, I stomped back down on the stone, and by the time the door had fully swung open, the Penseive area had been re-concealed.

Professor McGonagall glided into her office (really, that's what it looked like) and closed the door behind her. She saw me standing not far from her desk and arched an eyebrow.

"Mr. Malfoy? May I help you with something?" In response to my nod, she pressed on. "It's just as well, because there's something I need to discuss with you myself. What brings you here this morning?"

After she motioned towards one of the chairs in front of her desk, I promptly sat down as McGonagall took her own seat behind said desk.

I cleared my throat and did my best to be cordial. Well, as cordial as was possible for me. "The usual, Professor. An attempted fight with Potter and some deducted House points."

McGonagall sighed, rubbing her temples as well. "As much as I understand ongoing student feuds, would it be too much to ask you and Potter to keep yours out of the way of teachers…for our benefit, as well as yours?"

Professor McGonagall was known to have a certain kind of dry humor, I'd just rarely seen firsthand. As a result, how off-guard I had been caught was reflected in my answer. "Er…sure."

"Good. Now, trusting I don't need to broach the subject any further, I'd like to discuss an entirely different matter with you, Mr. Malfoy." She paused, which aroused my curiosity more. "You're familiar with Antonin Dolohov, correct?"

"Y-yes," I said, still unsure of what the subject was. "He is, or rather was, a close family friend before he died this past summer while being interrogated by the Ministry."

McGonagall nodded. "Then you should also know that he had a son named Dominic, or Dom, as he likes to be called."

"I've never actually met Dom, but I do know of him," I admitted.

"Well, I'm afraid that's about to change."

Again, I found myself confused. "What exactly are you getting at, Professor?"

"Antonin Dolohov was a single parent. His wife died a few years ago, leaving Dom solely in his care. But now, Dom is parentless, seeing as Antonin is now dead as well. Until recently, Antonin's last will and testament couldn't be found. But in it, he named the guardians he wanted for Dom."

Now everything was coming into focus, as I was finally able to see where this was going. "Let me guess…he named my family?"

McGonagall nodded. "Yes. But as you can imagine, we're in a bit of a conundrum, since your parents are currently serving time in Azkaban and the will specifically states Antonin wanted only your family to take care of Dom. Therefore, until your parents are released from Azkaban, -"

"I'll be taking care of Dom," I finished for her. This day was just getting better and better.

"Yes. We've already made all of the necessary arrangements so that Dom can stay here with you for the duration of the school year. For obvious reasons, he'll have to accompany you to all of your classes. He will primarily be your responsibility, but the rest of the staff and myself will be happy to assist you in any way if you ever require it."

"But…I don't know the first thing about taking care of children!" It was true! "How old is he?"

"He's nine, but will be ten in early December." McGonagall paused, giving me a sympathetic look…I think. "Listen, Draco, all you have to do is make sure he stays out of trouble, follows school rules and enjoys his stay here."

Oh. Was that all?

My worry must have shown on my face, because McGonagall said her next words in a consoling tone. "I know it seems like too much to take in right now, but there's no other option. As I said, there are plenty of us to help you, and I'm sure Dom won't give you too much trouble. Now, you can attend your classes as usual today, and during that time I will meet and discuss the arrangements with Dom. He will meet you later tonight in the Slytherin Common Room." McGonagall gave me one of her trademark penetrating stares. "Are you okay with this?"

It took me a while to respond, as I carefully weighed the pros and cons of the situation that had just been dumped in front of me. Did I have what it took to look after a kid? After all, he was nine years old, so it wasn't like he'd be pestering me with endless questions…I hoped. On the other hand, he just lost his father, so he was bound to be pretty mellow…maybe. Plus, he didn't have anywhere else to go, and even if he did, wherever he went wouldn't nearly be as homely and welcoming as Hogwarts. So in the end, Dom being here with me was the best thing for him. And he needed somebody right now. I guess I could be that somebody.

"Yes, Professor," I said at last. In retrospect, those two simple words began what would be quite an interesting year. Those words, along with Snape's pointed stare as I left the office, would also be the start of an interesting year for Potter.

I met Dom later that night, although I can't say it was a particularly meaningful first meeting. The only words exchanged between us were ones of introductions and basic politeness, and not long after, Dom went up to where he would share sleeping quarters with me. All I learned from that first encounter was that Dom was obviously average height for a nine year-old, with light brown hair, a thin face and eyes that looked as if they could be calm and impassive one moment, yet bright with liveliness and mischief the next.

All in all, I wasn't completely sure of what to expect for the next day.