And we're at the third chapter already! God, I don't think I've updated a story this fast before. Once again, thank you so much for your reviews and your expressed interest in reading about Severus Snape raising Draco while being completely, utterly awkward.

X X X X

Draco had never been more mortified. At the ripe age of ten, the year before he'd go to Hogwarts where his pseudo father worked and lived most of the year, and he was already the laughing stock of wizards. And it was all those Weasley's fault! He'd thought Ron was fine, if not a bit obnoxious every once and awhile, and the twins were cool, Percy lent him muggle books about domes, catastrophes, the inevitable apocalypse, even undead corpses - none of which Severus approved of - and the others were nice to him.

But he stood in the middle of the park, muddy and wet, with he twins laughing at his plight. Draco could acknowledge that they'd played a prank on him, and a cruel one at that. He felt like crying. The thought became harder to repress when he noticed that Mrs. Weasley looked amused by this! And that Ron was laughing as well! The only one who wasn't was Percy, and the redhead was actually making his way over to him and the twins.

The ten year old didn't wait for him, and instead bolted, twig-thin legs carrying him to Flourish and Blots where he knew his godfather would be. Severus had taken one look at him and they were gone and home and Draco could finally cry without laughter ringing in his ears.

The Malfoy heir decided right there and then that he would never trust that stupid redheaded lot ever again. He even said so, sniffling and cold, and ignored the startled expression the adult in the room held. He never asked why they never went back to the park.

X X X X

Draco Malfoy had introduced himself to the Harry Potter, had extended his hand and his friendship, hoping to pull him away from the awfulness of the Weasley clan...and he'd been shot down. He wanted to scream about what had been done just the year prior, wanted to let Potter know just who he was hanging out with, but he shut his mouth instead.

He caught the dark gaze of his pseudo father upon entering the great hall, but the couldn't manage a smile. It was like the time when Fred and George pushed him into that mud puddle and threw worms at him. He barely registered when his name was called, and went up to the stool. The sorting hat was placed on his head - a second went by before the yell of Slytherin! sent him to his new table.

Slytherin was Severus' house. Draco jumped off the stool the moment the hat was lifted, but as he walked to his table boos came from one of the other houses.

Gryffindor. He could see who it was from where he was, and he felt like crying all over again. The Weasley twins with their shockingly red hair. Booing him. Draco took his seat and ignored the older slytherin who told him not to mind "them stupid Gryffindors".

He heard Harry Potter's name called, and then after a few tense minutes, the call of Gryffindor. Ron Weasley was right after, and he, too, was put into Gryffindor. Draco made a point to not turn around and look at them, instead striking up a conversation with the girl next to him. Her name was Pansy and he lost interest rather quickly, instead focusing on the food that appeared after Dumbledore's speech.

"You get used to it sooner or later." Draco looked up - and was shocked to find Percy Weasley sliding into the seat across from him. The redhead had books tucked under his arm and a black eye, but he was still smiling as he peered down through horn rimmed glasses.

"I thought all Weasleys were..."

"Gryffindor? Yeah, I'm the black sheep of the family. Guess it's what happens when you want to achieve as much as I do. Most of the family has accepted it though, and I'm prefect this year, so mum can't be too mad at me."

"And...the black eye?"

"Oh, just some guys still hurt over my being a snake. I wouldn't worry about it, Professor Snape will take care of it after dinner. Hey, pass the rolls, will you?" Draco found himself grinning, taking a roll for himself when Pansy passed the plate to Percy. He started to dig into his dinner, and when he turned to see Severus looking at him, Draco grinned and gave him a thumbs up.

He'd do great things in Slytherin. This he knew. And it wasn't because he was a Malfoy, it was because he had ambitions and was raised to be cunning and resourceful.