Severus glided through the lengthy corridors of Malfoy Manor, leaving the relative comfort of his permanent guest room to answer the distressed sobbing coming from the nursery. His young Godson was obviously suffering from another nightmare and in need of some comfort. And seeing as how Narcissa and Lucius refused to tend to the boy when he was anything but docile, the task of soothing the irrationally terrified toddler fell to Severus- as Draco remained unsatisfied with the cautious coddling Dobby offered.
Draco's howls were loud and overpowering, a pitiful desperation lacing the sobs. Quickening his pace, Severus finally found himself outside the nursery door. Flinging it open, Severus rushed over to the antique crib that housed the fitful toddler. Pointing his wand at the large fireplace, Severus brought the dying fire back to life in order to brighten up the darkened room.
As soon as Draco's eyes adjusted to the sudden light, he immediately took notice of Severus. Holding his chubby arms upward, he bounced clumsily on his feet in a desperate bid to be picked up.
"Sevus!" He wailed, fat tears rolling down his reddened cheeks. "Sevus!"
"Yes," Severus soothed, removing the child from his crib, "Severus is here."
Draco gave a pitiful sniffle, then hiccupped loudly. Grabbing a small bunch of Severus's sleepshirt in his fat fist, Draco continued to sob- albeit not as desperately now. Severus sat himself in the rocking chair, and simply rubbed at the small child's back, waiting patiently for the boy to catch his breath.
"You're quite alright, Dragon." Severus consoled, rocking slowly.
"Sevus!" Draco sniveled, swiping at his large eyes.
What is it?" Severus crooned, using his sleeve to swipe at the excess moisture flooding from Draco's large eyes.
"Scawy." Draco hiccupped, clinging tightly to Severus's nightshirt.
"What is scaring you?" Severus questioned, smoothing the boy's ruffled hair.
"Monstew." Draco babbled. "Big."
"A monster?" Severus scoffed gently. "There are no monsters in this house."
Draco scowled harshly, and jabbed a fat finger at the door Severus had just entered. Looking quite indignant at being assumed wrong, he stuck out his bottom lip in an adorable pout.
"Big Snake." He persisted, gesturing wildly with a hand.
Severus felt his blood run cold. Had the Dark Lord come by the nursery to peek in at the toddler, brining Nagani along with him? Was Voldemort already analyzing Draco, trying to gauge how useful to the Dark he might grow to be? The very thought was highly disturbing, and he instinctively cuddled the baby closer.
"Severus will never let a monster hurt you." He promised, kissing Draco atop his little blonde head.
"Sevus." Draco nodded, still slightly shaken. "No monstew."
"Precisely." Severus smiled. "You are perfectly safe with me."
"Sevus stay." Draco announced, his vocabulary rather impressive.
"Always." Severus promised, standing with the child. "Now, let's get you into a fresh nappy. Hmm?"
"Me wet." Draco explained, frowning indignantly.
"So I've noticed." Severus sighed, shuffling across the room to the changing table.
"Play?" Draco asked, waving his hands up at the mobile.
"It is three in the morning." Severus informed. "Absolutely not."
Draco stuck his tongue out and blew a loud raspberry at him, evidently displeased that Severus was ruining his fun. Ignoring the action with a small smile, Severus finished replacing Draco's nappy with the expert precision or a potion's master.
"Sevus…?" Draco asked, once again in Severus's arms.
"Yes?" Severus asked, recognizing the leading tone in his Godson's voice.
"Stowy?" He asked hopefully, tugging at a hank of his Godfather's hair.
"Oh, alright." Severus smiled, gently freeing his hair.
"Love you, Sevus." Draco praised, well-pleased.
"I love you, too." Severus smiled, sinking back into the rocking chair. "Now, what book do you want me to read?"
"Kidditch!" He squawked, clumsily clapping his hands.
"Of course."
Summoning "Quidditch through the Ages; a Child's Edition," Severus fought back a sigh. Barely more than a year old, and already Draco was obsessed with such a mindless sport. Lucky for him, Severus could be incredibly patient when he felt the need. Not very many people would be willing to read the same book fifteen times in a one-week period. Regardless of how adorable they were.
"I do hope you grow out of this obsession." Severus sighed, opening the book wide enough so Draco could see the pictures.
"I fwy." Draco smiled, tapping the Seeker as he flew across the page.
"So long as you promise to stay on top of your studies." Severus compromised.
"Ball." Draco babbled, slapping a zooming snitch.
"Big boys and girls," Severus recited, "Learn to fly on brooms."
Draco listened attentively, preferring Severus's reading voice to anybody else's. Snuggling closer to Severus, Draco stuck his thumb in his mouth, his eyes never once leaving the plush pages of the book.
Summoning the toddlers 'blankie' over, Severus carefully wrapped Draco up in it. Once he was satisfied his Godson would remain warm, Severus accioed over a dummy along with Draco's stuffed dragon. Gently swapping out the thumb for the pacifier, Severus shoved the dragon into the toddler's arm before a tantrum could ensue.
"But learning to fly takes lots of practice." Severus droned on.
Draco yawned heavily, before he 'helped' his Godfather turn the page.
"Quidditch is a sport. Quidditch is played on brooms."
Severus read on, stopping every once in a while to allow Draco the chance to slap at the moving pictures. It was only once he'd gotten to the pages showcasing the various types of equipment used in the sport that Draco began to nod off.
"Goodnight, Dragon." Severus smiled, kissing his forehead.
"Night-night, Sevus." Draco muttered, his eyelashes fluttering as they fought sleep.