Disclaimer – Isn't mine.

Chapter 4 - Choose

'What the hell does, oh dear mean?' Ron said harshly.

'It means Mr Weasley, that you can no longer get back to Gryffindor Tower and will have to remain here for the moment.' Snape growled.

'Why?'

'Because the common rooms are now sealed.'

'Why?'

Snape let out an exasperated breath. 'For Merlin's sake boy, use your head. What does an alarm usually mean?'

'Now Severus, calm down.' He said evenly. 'Mr Weasley, there seems to be someone wanting to get into the castle who shouldn't be. The new wards have been triggered. I trust you two can remain here quietly while we sort this out.'

The two Gryffindors paled, both guessing, probably quite correctly, just who was trying to get in. Albus took their silence as acquiescence and moved past them to the portrait, murmuring softly before disappearing up the stairs.

He came back several moments later, closing the portrait firmly and tapping it once before it disappeared to leave the stone wall in place.

He turned to see Hermione and Ron watching him in surprise. 'I won't let anyone take him again.' He said firmly before walking swiftly from the room.

Snape followed him and the two seventeen year olds sat down to wait.

'Severus, you shouldn't be coming.' Albus said quietly as they strode down towards the Entrance hall where they knew the rest of the staff would be waiting.

'I will be there with the rest of the staff as would be required.'

'But if it is Tom or Lucius, then you are placing yourself in a position of exposure.' Albus insisted.

'I would be more exposed if I didn't go. They would expect me there.'

The headmaster sighed knowing the potions master was correct. As first thought, the rest of the staff were standing nervously in front of a group of about forty Aurors and a wickedly smirking Lucius Malfoy.

'Ah Lucius, to what do we owe this dubious pleasure?' Albus said coldly. 'And at such an hour, surely the Ministry has better things it could be doing.'

If anything Malfoy's smirk got even wider. 'Why Dumbledore, this is very important. We believe you to be harboring the criminal Sirius Black.'

'What?' Minerva couldn't help but exclaim.

'Sirius Black. We have received several reports that he is here in the castle and we have come to search it.'

Albus eyes narrowed. 'Sirius Black is dead Lucius. He died over a year ago. You should know that, you were there after all.'

Malfoy's face morphed into a sneer. 'I have no idea what you are talking about, Dumbledore.' He said stiffly.

'Department of Mysteries, Lucius. Surely you haven't forgotten.' The headmaster admonished.

'I was cleared of all charges relating to that.' Malfoy snarled. 'Now get out of the way. We have paperwork from the Minister requesting this search.'

'Albus they can't be serious.' Minerva cried, her dismay echoed by many of the other staff.

Dumbledore sighed. 'Fine,' Malfoy smirked. 'The Aurors have permission to search the castle. You, however, as neither a member of staff, nor of the Ministry Department of Magical Law Enforcement, have no such right and will wait here until they return.' The smirk faltered as Dumbledore dismissed the Aurors who followed the various members of staff to different parts of the castle leaving the headmaster and his deputy facing Malfoy, an almost unseen Snape standing back in the shadows.

Albus held the blond aristocrat's glare just as coldly. 'You won't get him back.' He said darkly.

Malfoy's mask was impenetrable. 'Back? What in Merlin's name are you talking about?' he sniffed disdainfully taking several steps back. 'Have you been drinking from your pensieve, old man?'

A soft snort was heard from the corner, reminding the three that their witness was still there. 'Lucius, you may was well leave now. You know Black is dead.' Severus said softly as he crossed silently to stand beside the blond man.

'I haven't got what I came for. I won't be leaving without them tonight.'

'You won't find him, Lucius.' Albus actually growled at the younger man leaving no one in any doubt that they were still not referring to Sirius.

'Albus, perhaps you should check on the Aurors.' Snape said meaningfully. Albus glanced once more at Malfoy, his normally twinkling blue eyes piercing the other man before taking Minerva's arm and walking away.

'Severus.' Malfoy hissed. 'Where is he? I want him back.'

'I wish I could help, Lucius, but Potter is under the direct protection of the headmaster.'

'Direct?'

Snape nodded, his expression plainly showing his feelings on the matter. 'Magical Oath and all, I'm afraid.' He said dryly. 'The boy is secreted away so soundly I imagine even our Lord himself may have trouble getting to him.'

'Do you know where?' Cool grey eyes looked intently at him.

Snape threw up every Occlumency shield he had and shrugged. 'I don't even know if he is still in the castle.' He lied smoothly.

'Damn it.' Malfoy swore, glancing at the doors. 'Tell the Aurors I have returned to the Ministry.' He said curtly before spinning on his heel and stalking to the doors.

'Oh and Lucius,' Severus said lightly while grinning inwardly. 'You might want to take Draco to task regarding his overly large and always open mouth.' Malfoy raised an eyebrow. 'If he's not careful he may find himself in Azkaban before the year is up. Rape is, after all, as much a crime in our world as it in the muggle world.' Malfoy raised the eyebrow further and Snape nodded.

'Idiot.' Malfoy muttered before vanishing out the door.

Snape stood there smirking for several minutes before the Headmaster returned. 'Severus, where is Lucius?' Albus asked quietly.

'He has returned to the Ministry after being told of the futility of his current objective.'

Albus snorted. 'Minerva, could you stay here and make sure all of the Aurors leave.' The elderly Professor nodded and the two men headed back up to the fourth floor.

'Did he say why?' Albus said once they were out of ear shot.

Snape shook his head. 'No, I'm really not sure why he wants him so badly. I get the feeling this raid had nothing to do with the Dark Lord and that Lucius wants the boy for himself.'

'Hmmm.' The Headmaster continued on in silence until they reached the gargoyle which jumped to the side to let them through.

Ron and Hermione had hidden themselves in separate corners of the headmaster's office, their wands drawn.

'It's alright, Miss Granger, Mr Weasley?' Albus said calmly. It was a sign of the times when neither student lowered their wand, instead Ron's raised his slightly higher and barked out a question only a member of the Order would know.

'Where are Order headquarters'?'

'Don't be so ridiculous, Weasley.' the potions master snapped.

'Where are they?' Ron insisted.

Snape looked as if he was about to retort once more but Albus laid a hand on his arm. 'Grimmauld Place, Mr Weasley and ten points to Gryffindor for your forethought.' he added with a twinkle. Snape merely glared at them as the two teenagers stepped out from their hiding places and returned to the middle of the room.

The headmaster called for some tea, pouring each of them a cup. Snape sniffed disdainfully at it, continuing to stand by the fire, his arms crossed, his expression masked.

'As soon as the Aurors have left the common rooms will unseal themselves and you two may return to bed.' Albus told them.

'Was that who it was?' Hermione asked softly. 'The Aurors.'

Snape opened his mouth but Albus shook his head imperceptibly. 'Yes. That's all. Now, if you will excuse me.' The headmaster crossed to the stone wall and placed both his hand and the tip of his wand against it and murmured softly. With a slight grinding noise the wall disappeared to show the portrait. Another soft and unintelligible murmur and the portrait opened, allowing the headmaster through before snapping shut with a soft click.

Albus quickly climbed the stairs and knocked softly before walking through the open door. He didn't want the boy to think he had no privacy. Harry was still asleep but Dobby had awakened and was standing at Harry's bedside as if to guard the boy.

'Did he wake, Dobby?' Albus asked softly. The house elf shook his head.

'No, Professor Dumbledore, Sir. Dobby has been watching Harry Potter closely and Harry Potter did not wake, Sir.'

'Very good, Dobby.' Albus looked calculatingly at the little creature. 'Dobby, do you know what happened to Harry?' he asked slowly as he sat down gently on the end of the bed.

Dobby nodded his eyes wide. 'Dobby knows Harry Potter was badly hurt, Professor Dumbledore, Sir. Dobby knows the bad men did terrible things to Harry Potter.'

Albus nodded sadly, reaching out to gently push the hair back off Harry's face. 'That's right, Dobby, but I think you can help Harry. Would you like to do that, Dobby?'

Dobby's eyes widened. 'Dobby would be most honoured, Sir.' he squeaked, bowing so low his nose almost touched the ground.

'I need you to stay with Harry when I'm not here. Eat with him, talk with him. Try and get him used to having someone around him that won't hurt him. I'm trying but I feel he doesn't want to cry or seem weak in front of me. If Harry lets you I want you to start touching him. Gently mind you, a hand on his shoulder, on his arm that sort of thing.' Dobby's eyes widened even more.

'But Dobby couldn't touch a wizard, Sir. It would be most improper.' he insisted.

Albus sighed. 'Dobby, watch this.' Albus reached over and took Harry's hand in his and while the flinch wasn't as big as it was before, it was still noticeable. 'You see Dobby, Harry is used to hands that only hurt him. We need to show him they can be gentle too. Will you help me?'

The house elf glanced back at Harry once more before pulling his ears down over his eyes and nodding. 'Dobby will help, Professor Dumbledore, Sir.' he said softly. Albus smiled brightly.

'Thank you, Dobby.' Albus looked back at Harry, gently patting the hand he held as he watched the frown take over Harry's face, even in sleep. The headmaster seemed lost in thought as he continued stroking Harry's hand. 'We'll get you there, dear boy.' he whispered softly. 'I promise we'll get you there.'

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

Some hours later, after the signal chimed that the Aurors had left and Albus sent Dobby down to escort the two Gryffindors back to the tower, Harry stirred and Albus gently continued his ministrations as Harry woke. The boy started slightly and moved to pull away and Albus let him.

'Albus?' Harry asked hesitantly as he huddled up near the bed head.

'Good morning dear boy.' Albus said softly, pleased that while Harry had retreated he hadn't thrown himself off the bed in a blind panic like the last time.

'What time is it?' The tentative voice spoke out once more.

'It is still very early, my child.' Albus said gesturing to the still darkened walls. They had a spell to keep some light in the room at all times but it was still easy to discern as to whether it was day or night.

Harry glanced around the room before his eyes darted back to the headmaster. 'What happened?'

Albus eyes dimmed and he sighed, his resolve not to lie to the boy still as strong as ever even if part of him would dearly love to. 'A group of Aurors arrived late last night ostensibly to look for Sirius.'

'What?' Harry breathed.

'It was a ruse. They were accompanied by Lucius Malfoy.'

Harry's face paled, his eyes glazed over and he shuddered.

'Harry, Harry, it's alright. He's gone. He knows you're with me now. He won't be back.' Albus assured him.

Harry seemed to shake his head and his eyes regained a long forgotten glint. 'He will be back.'

'How can you know that, Harry?'

Harry looked up, green eyes meeting blue. 'He was going to take me away from Tom and hide me.' he whispered.

Dumbledore was speechless, his mouth opening and closing several times. 'Did he...' Albus trailed off. 'Did he hurt you Harry?'

Harry shrugged sullenly. 'Doesn't everyone.' he mumbled.

Albus resisted the urge to shake the boy. 'Harry, this is very important. I need to know what you meant. Was he going to take you away from Riddle so that you were safe, or so that he could have you all to himself?'

Harry looked at him quizzically before bursting into laughter. Unfortunately it was a kind of unbalanced maniacal laughter that set Dumbledore's spine tingling, and not in a nice way. 'Harry, calm down.' Albus said firmly but gently.

'S...sorry.' Harry stammered, wiping tears from his face. 'It's just the idea of Malfoy doing something just to keep me safe is so far on the side of absurd it's ridiculous.'

Harry's many swings in mood shown in such a short space of time were leaving Albus slightly unnerved. 'I had hoped that if it were the former we may have been able to turn him to spy for us. It would be quite a coup.'

'Just tell him anyway. He will find me eventually; might as well make it worth it.' Harry sighed.

Albus just looked at him; the horrified expression on his face showing exactly how he felt about that. 'No. Absolutely not. Not even for Riddle's downfall. You are not now, nor will you ever again be expendable Harry. I made that mistake before and I will never, ever make it again. You are my child now, Harry and you will be kept safe if I have to kill to keep it that way.' the elderly wizard said vehemently.

Harry, so shocked at the strength of the words, actually moved towards the man and placed a shaking hand on his arm. Albus lifted his own and held it above the boy's not quite touching until after several deep swallows and a number of blinks, Harry locked eyes with the twinkling blue and nodded. With a warm smile the headmaster's gentle hand came down and covered his.

'Well done, dear boy.' Albus whispered. Harry smiled hesitantly and they sat there in companionable silence for over an hour before Harry slowly leaned over until his head was resting on the headmaster's shoulder. 'Thank you.' Harry whispered. Albus just smiled, his eyes twinkling blindingly.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

The next morning Snape swept into the great hall and stalked to the head table. The interrupted night's sleep had grated on him and he glared caustically around the room. He noted the sad faces, particularly the seventh years at the Gryffindor table and inwardly smirked. None of these children were ready for the real world. None could cope with what the Potter brat had been through. It would certainly be interesting to see their reactions when and if the boy ever made it back to class.

He reached for the coffee the house elves left specifically for him and took a bite of his eggs. The headmaster was absent, naturally, as was Draco Malfoy, surprisingly. Snape finished his breakfast and was about to go looking for the boy when he sauntered in and sat down. Snape stood just as the morning post flew in. He noted Lucius' black raven and slowed his steps. Malfoy took the missive slightly nervously if Snape was any judge, and opened it.

Snape watched the blood drain from the boy's face before stalking down the table. 'Mr Malfoy.' he said almost silently. Malfoy turned, obviously startled as his mind was on his father's words. 'May I?' Snape gestured to the letter. Malfoy reluctantly handed it over.

Are you mad? It began, without even addressing the boy. How dare you even think of talking of such things. Do you even realise the position you have put me in. Our Lord will not be pleased with your idiocy and I will have to pay for your mistakes. Be advised that any such payments will be passed on tenfold during your Christmas break. I do hope you are prepared.

Snape grinned inwardly even as his face remained impassive. He handed the letter back and leant down so that he could speak directly into the boy's ear without being overheard. 'As your godfather I wish to advise you that if I ever hear of you doing something so degrading again I will use you entrails in my first year classes. Do you understand?' he hissed ominously. 'And I'm not talking about the little scene outside the hall last night.' he added.

Malfoy's eyes widened and he flushed, twisting slightly so he could see the potions master. 'But...'

The hard black eyes stopped him from speaking further. 'You do not need to sink to the level of an animal Draco. It is most unseemly for a gentleman of your stature.' He couldn't resist the parting shot at the Boy-Who-Lived's expense. 'Besides you don't even know where Potter's been. You could have caught anything.'

Malfoy smirked at that and Snape thought he would leave it there but once again the boy proved just how many brain cells he damaged by wearing so much hair gel. 'Oh no.' he said softly. 'He hadn't been anywhere. Potter was a virgin when father took him.' The look of pride on the young man's face turned Snape's stomach and without a word he stood, grabbing the boy by the scruff of his neck, yanking him out of his seat and dragging him from the hall, much to the shock of the Slytherins and the amusement of the other houses.

Draco himself was too stunned to even respond as Snape found the first empty classroom and threw him in before closing and locking the door behind him. Once the silencing charm was cast he spun to face the teenager, his face twisted in anger as he stalked closer.

'Did Potter have a wand when you raped him, Draco?' he asked darkly.

Malfoy shook his head. 'No. Of course not. He was tied up.' Still unsure of where Snape's anger was coming from.

'And how did you feel, Draco. Did you feel powerful? Did you feel strong?' Snape hissed dangerously.

'Yes.' Draco said nervously. 'Potter was crying, begging for me to stop.'

'So having a boy tied up so that he can't even defend himself while you abuse him so badly it makes him beg, someone who hasn't begged for anything in his life I might add, makes you feel powerful.'

'Well, yes.'

Snape hung his head, reaching one hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. 'Come with me.' he said curtly, disabling the locking spells and sweeping from the room knowing young Malfoy would follow him without question. He swept through the halls, mindless of the many students hurrying to the first day of classes, Malfoy following curiously, if not a little uneasily, behind.

They reached the gargoyle to the headmaster's office and the young Slytherin quickly stepped back and made to dart away but strong fingers closed over his shoulder and black eyes pierced him in place. 'Do not even consider it, Mr Malfoy.' Snape growled before propelling him up the stairway ahead of him.

'Severus?' Albus asked curiously. The headmaster was at his desk and smiled cheerfully at him, however the eyes dimmed catching sight of the teenager beside him. 'Mr Malfoy, to what to we owe this unexpected but unwelcome pleasure.' The smile was still in place but the eyes were distinctly cold. It unnerved Snape to see the normally jovial headmaster looking so coldly at one of his students. Malfoy especially looked shocked that the headmaster had addressed him so.

'Draco, sit.' Snape instructed, pointing to a chair by the headmaster's desk. Malfoy sat reluctantly but finally sat back, slouching as if he hadn't a care in the world. It was a masterful performance in Snape's experienced opinion.

He still surreptitiously cast a locking spell on the door however as he moved across the room to speak in hushed tones. He related the events at breakfast and afterwards to Albus before moving to the reason he was here.

'No. Absolutely not.' Albus said firmly.

'Albus, please. I know Draco isn't truly his father. He needs to see what he's done. It may be the only way to save him. The conditioning is already so strong. I don't want to lose my godson.' Snape pleaded.

'Do you have any idea what it could do to Harry?' Albus whispered urgently.

Snape sighed. 'I know, but I can think of no other way. If you had heard what he said...' he trailed off. 'Can you please ask Potter? Even if he can just tell how he felt, it may help.'

Albus looked between the potions master and his student. 'I don't even believe that Harry is ready to talk of such things.'

'Couldn't you at least ask? If we can stop even one from turning isn't it worth it?'

Albus shook his head. 'Not at Harry's expense it isn't.' Snape glanced at his godson who was idly inspecting his fingernails as if he didn't have a care in the world but Snape knew that, like a true Slytherin he was trying to listen to every word of the conversation, however judging by the slight tensing of his jaw, he wasn't very successful.

'Please Albus. He's all I have left.' Snape was actually reduced to begging.

The headmaster's eyes narrowed. 'You ask him.' he said softly.

Snape's brows shot skywards. 'What?'

'You ask him.' Albus repeated. 'If he agrees then so do I.'

'You're kidding.'

Albus shook his head firmly. 'No, I'm not.'

Snape stared at the headmaster open mouthed. Albus just continued to stare calmly back at him. Snape glanced at his godson before turning back and swallowing. 'Alright.' he nodded.

Albus' expression darkened, obviously he hadn't expected the potions master to agree. Slowly he raised his wand. 'Stupefy.'

Draco slumped in his chair.

'What did you do that for?'

Albus' blue eyes looked back to him. 'Because if this doesn't work he will have to be Obliviated and I don't want Tom to have any idea that Harry is even in the castle. If Harry agrees, we will levitate him up there before waking him and then an interschool Portkey can have him arrive back in the entrance hall.'

Snape nodded slowly. 'Makes sense.'

'Thank you. Now, don't you think you should do something about your robes before you talk to Harry?'

With a groan Snape waved his wand, changing the black to a royal blue before gesturing to the headmaster to open the portrait.

Harry gave Dumbledore a small smile as he walked in but it faded as he took in the potions master standing just inside the door. Albus could see the beginnings of a panic attack as Harry's eyes darted around looking for a way to escape now that the door was blocked and quickly took Snape's arm, pulling him further into the room so that Harry was between them and the door.

He left the Slytherin by the fireplace and walked hesitantly over to the bed. 'Harry?' he said softly. Harry's eyes darted from the door to the blue one's watching him intently.

'Albus.' he whispered huskily after swallowing heavily. Albus knelt by the side of the bed and held out his hand which Harry grabbed like a lifeline.

'It's alright, dear boy.' he said soothingly, rubbing the back of the boy's hand with his thumb. 'Severus just wants to ask you something.'

Harry's green eyes flicked to the potions master and he nodded hesitantly.

'Mr Potter,' Snape said softly. 'I have a favour to ask you. I am trying to save my godson from turning to the Dark Lord but I believe I may be too late. He knows what happened to you but I need for him to see you, speak with you. I need for him to understand what he did was wrong and how it affected you.'

At the mention of doing wrong Harry's eyes widened comically and he paled. 'Who?' he whispered.

Snape looked to Albus but no help arrived from that quarter and he knew he was on his own. 'Draco.'

Harry's right arm that was around his waist tightened convulsively and he seemed to almost shrink in on himself.

'Malfoy...here...' he said fearfully. Albus continued rubbing Harry's hand gently, making sure the boy knew he was still there.

'I will completely understand if you say no, Mr Potter, but you are my last hope and I could never forgive myself if I didn't try.' Snape went on.

Harry looked between the potions master and his guardian. 'You don't think this is a good idea.' he whispered.

Albus gave him a wan smile. 'No. I don't. But the decision is yours to make, Harry.'

Harry closed his eyes, seeing nothing but the pleading black eyes of the potions master. He knew it had been Snape who had found out where he was. Snape who had arranged to get Albus into Riddle's Manor and Snape that had taken the punishment for allowing Harry's escape to happen and Harry knew he owed the man to at least try.

'Alright.' he said softly, without opening his eyes. Albus' hand shook slightly but he could feel the wave of gratitude from the other man wash over him.

'Thank you.' Snape whispered. Harry just nodded and hung his head as Snape moved swiftly from the room.

'You're a brave boy, Harry.' Albus said softly. Harry didn't speak and Albus gently removed his hand, telling the boy they would be back in a minute and stood before quietly leaving the room. There were a few things he had to say to young Mr Malfoy before he was allowed anywhere the broken child.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

He met Severus just outside the portrait; the younger man knowing the headmaster would want to talk to Draco before they took him upstairs.

'Enervate.'

Malfoy blinked several times before standing; righteous indignation flowing off him in waves. 'How dare you. My father will hear about this and your career as Headmaster of this school will be over.'

'Mr Malfoy, shut up.' Albus growled, startling the young man. 'Now you will listen and listen well. Against my better judgment I am allowing this because Severus feels it is the only way, but you must know that you will be taken by Portkey and leave by Portkey and if you so much as whisper a mention of your father while you are there I will flay you alive and give what's left to the Acromantula in the forest. Do you understand?'

There was something in both the tone and the headmaster's expression that would only allow Malfoy to nod dumbly, all of his previous bravado suddenly gone.

'Stupefy.' Albus said again. 'Mobilius corpus.' Albus gave his potions master a look that clearly said he didn't think was a good idea but obligingly floated the prone Slytherin through the open portrait and upstairs. The three stopped outside the room, Albus taking a quill from his pocket and ending the levitating spell and making sure Severus had the boy's weight he made a Portkey that would just go to the entrance hall and handed it over.

'Keep him by the fireplace.' He said curtly before walking quietly into the room and moving over to the chair beside the bed. Harry was sitting quietly on the edge and didn't look up as Albus sat down. The headmaster left his hand on the covers beside the boy but Harry didn't pick it up, instead wrapping both arms tightly around his still emancipated frame and shivering slightly as Snape carried Malfoy in and sat him in a chair by the fire before waking him.

The Slytherin blinked and glanced around him before catching sight of the figure sitting on the edge of the bed. His eyes swept from head to toe and back up again but it wasn't until the figure raised his head and Malfoy saw the dull green eyes they he was sure.

'Potter?'

Harry flinched, violently. 'Malfoy.' He rasped, lowering his head once more.

Draco didn't know whether to sneer or smile. 'Potter.' He drawled with a grin.

'What are you doing, Malfoy?' Harry whispered, eventually lifting his head.

'Excuse me?' Surprise was evident in the Slytherin's voice.

'What are you doing, Malfoy?' Harry repeated softly. 'Is this what you want?'

'What are you talking about?'

'Is this what you want for the rest of your life?' Harry asked, startling all in the room. 'Do you want to follow a half blood maniac, bow and grovel at his feet, in the dirt, kissing the hem of his robes and hoping to Merlin the punishments he gives out that day go to someone else, just for the privilege of breaking someone like me, torturing and abusing them until there is nothing but a shell. Is that really what you want?'

Malfoy had no response to the quietly spoken tirade and Harry went on.

'Was it fun Malfoy? Doing what you did. Did it make you any more powerful than you were? Did it give you power you didn't have?'

Still silence, but both Snape and Dumbledore could see the seventeen year old's mind beginning to tick over.

Harry 's eyes closed as if he were in pain and he took several deep breaths before opening them again. 'It didn't, did it? It gave you thrills because you were finally getting one over on your rival, but it didn't give you anything worthwhile. And that's all Riddle will ever give you. Cheap thrills at the expense of others, because any extra power or knowledge he will keep for himself.' Harry stood and while keeping as far away as possible from the others, walked to the window, looking out over the beach scene that was currently in it.

Albus could see him trembling quite considerably but the boy still plucked up some courage from who knew where and turned his back on the Slytherin by the fire and continued staring out the window.

'Riddle didn't break me, Malfoy. You didn't break me. I will get better and I will kill that bastard. If you choose to continue following him, you must know that I will kill you too.' Harry turned then and Malfoy and Snape gasped at the fire burning in the green eyes. It was a fire that they hadn't seen in a long time and together with the tone of the words both knew the boy would fulfill the promise.

'Choose, Malfoy. Choose between your half-bloods. You can have the Dark Lord, who will use you until you are nothing more than a groveling sycophant, or you can have me, someone who would protect those who are loyal with his very life. The choice is yours Malfoy but choose carefully, it may well be the last decision you ever make.' Harry turned back to the window and Albus, realising the boy had finished, stupefied the Slytherin gesturing for Snape to take him out.

He waited until they were gone before moving slowly to stand beside the boy. 'Harry.' he said gently. Harry turned and Albus saw the tears spilling down his cheeks. 'That was a wonderful thing you just did. I'm so proud of you, Harry.'

Harry took several deep breaths and reached out a tentative hand to grasp the front of Dumbledore's robes. 'Don't move.' he whispered as he stepped forward and leant his head against the firm chest. Albus struggled not to bring his hands up and hug the boy to him as Harry continued to lean against him, finally snaking one arm around the headmaster's waist and hanging on for dear life.

'You're safe, dear boy. You're safe here with me.'