Disclaimer: HP isn't mine.

AN: Drabble. Perceptions can be changed.

In a Name…

X…

"Potter," he snarled when he came across the child. The boy flinched at the tone in his voice, and lifted haunted eyes.

"Potter?" he repeated, unconsciously softening his voice. He dropped to his knees beside the child, and hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

"Potter!" he half-yelled in shock when the boy let out a mangled scream before scrambling backwards and slumping to the ground, shirt slipping up to reveal dark bruises on his front and side.

"Harry," he half-whispered, holding his precious load close as he apparated in Hogsmeade and began the long trek to the school. "It will be all right."