CHAPTER 1 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
The noise from the Slytherin Common Room was deafening, even from outside of the portrait where Draco was leaning. He didn't understand what they all found exciting living in a freezing cold dungeon with boring, uninteresting people. He wished he never had to step foot in there ever again. Sometimes he just wanted some peace and quiet in his life. He always tried to keep his birthday private. Unlike what everyone else thought, Draco Malfoy detested all of the attention that was thrown at him. He played his part well. 'The Dream Team', as the Gryffindor trio were known, they were his worst enemies. He was the devoted little Death-Eater, just like his father. His father. Of course that was the source of all of Draco's problems. Lucius, devoted side-kick to the Dark Lord. Voldemort.
Although he never spoke of it he had heard and respected what the mudblood, as his father calls her, Granger, had said all those years ago in Flourish and Blotts. He would never forget the way she stood up to Lucius and said that fearing a name only increased the fear of the thing itself. He still shuddered when he thought of that name but he always tried to be strong and call him Voldemort, even if it was only in his head.
Draco sometimes wished that he had been sorted into Gryffindor as the sorting hat had wanted. "NO!" Draco had mentally told it, "I can't be in Gryffindor, my father will kill me!" "I see," the hat had replied, "that's probably for the best. If you don't have the courage to stand up to your father then maybe Gryffindor is not for you. Pity, you could be great you know. Not Gryffindor, well then , it had better be…….SLYTHERIN!"
Draco shuddered again. How he wished he could stand up for himself towards Lucius. He never referred to him as father in his mind. He had no father, only Lucius and Uncle Severus.
Uncle Severus. He loved his godfather and always called him Uncle. He was the only one he trusted, the only one to whom he ever spoke his thoughts and feelings. He had told Severus about the sorting hat, his hatred for his father and his father's Lord. He knew that Snape had the Mark but was a spy for Dumbledore. The respect he had always held for Severus had only increased when he had discovered the truth of his Uncle's past. Severus was the only person who knew of Draco's wish to have friends. Not some arse-lickers who always tried to be in his good books, but real friends who would tell him he was a git and an idiot but would still forgive him and love him for who he really was.
He had admitted that he was envious of 'The Dream Team's' friendship. He had even admitted to admiring Hermione Granger! Even more surprising was the fact that Severus had agreed with him that Hermione should be respected and had even said that if she wasn't muggle-born she would be paired with Draco in potion's, as they were both the most competent. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to the restrictions placed upon them but, they both realised that Hermione was an extremely powerful witch. Draco had never expected his Uncle to say that about a muggle-born witch but then he had never thought that he would ever envy her and her close friendship with Potter and Weasley.
Draco had always thought that they took advantage of their intelligent friend. She had grown into a beautiful, conscientious student who always looked out for others. Draco often thought that she would make some man very happy in the future. It always amazed him that he never found her physically attractive. The more he thought about he came to realise that no girl had ever shocked his heart and soul into believing that they were the only ones left on this earth. Sure, there had been girlfriends but none had ever caused even a slight warm feeling, never mind a fire in his heart. But Draco still believed that there was someone out there for him.
He was pulled from his daydream by a slender hand on his shoulder.
"Draco"
Draco spun quickly and looked directly into the coal-black eyes of Severus Snape. He turned and with robes billowing behind, moved swiftly towards his chambers in such a way that Draco knew he was to follow.
With a password of "Shakespeare!" they entered Severus' private chambers. Once inside he motioned to Draco to take a seat.
"Your present." Snape said indicating a small green velvet box on the table in front of him. Draco knew that his godfather was not one for sentimentality but he knew that he was loved. His Uncle Severus was the only one to tell him that he was loved.
He looked at the box and noticed a folded piece of parchment and recognised the distinctive scrawl. He looked up and saw Severus sitting opposite watching him intently. Draco picked it up and began to read…..
~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~
Dearest Draco
I send this gift to you with all of my love and best wishes. For the past seventeen years I have loved you more than I could even love you if you were my own flesh and blood.
Now, today, I must explain something rationally and uninterrupted, hence the need for a letter.
Tonight Lucius will request your presence at the Manor. The reason for this is the Dark Lord. He will request you to join the ranks of his "faithful" Death-Eaters. If you choose to take the Mark you must be assured that I will love you and will always be here for you as long as we both reside in this world.
However, if you choose to stand up for your beliefs and decide not to be branded, you must know that your life will be in danger. I have told you this for your protection and because of my love for you.
The ring in the box contains a potion incorporated into the dragon's scales. If you rub the scales while saying 'Home' it will act as a portkey and you will be returned to Hogwart's. Your true home.
Remember that I always will love you. Please, do not listen to your head tonight, listen only to your heart.
Love Always
Severus.
~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~
Draco looked up and saw Severus sitting with anxiousness, fear and love burning darkly in his eyes. Draco raised himself from his comfortable resting point and picked up the green box. The box opened and Draco removed the silver ring and placed it on the thumb of his right hand.
He crossed the room and stopped in front of his godfather.
Draco threw his arms around Severus' neck and said three little words to his uncle before returning to the Common Room.
"I love you!"
