Chapter Twenty-Two – New Friends

"What's wrong, Aldwyn?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Aldwyn snaps himself out of his thoughts, leaning into Draco's embrace with a quiet sigh. His eyes blink rapidly as they try to mitigate the dryness within them from his staring.

"I don't know." It's a lie. His eyes drop to his lap watching as his fingers tangle together. He knows what is bothering him. He knows that his fear stems from his treatment at the Dursleys', knows that he can't really help how he is feeling, but he doesn't want to bring Draco's mood down with him. He takes a breath, surreptitiously casting a glance at Draco who tightens his arm around Aldwyn's shoulder.

"What if… what if your friends don't like me? What if I say something or do something to offend someone and they laugh at me? What if they don't like how I dress or how I speak?" He can't help but confess.

Draco shakes his head almost as soon as Aldwyn starts speaking. He knows that his friend's worries are unfounded and yet entirely warranted given his upbringing. His fist clenches into the fabric of his pyjama bottoms, resting his head against Aldwyn's. He hated those blasted muggles with a burning passion for everything they had forced his friend to live through.

"You listen to me, Aldwyn. My friends are all going to love you. How could they not? You are a wonderful person; kind, sweet, caring and you have a vindictive streak they will be jealous of. The perfect Slytherin. You won't say anything offensive because you do not have an offensive bone in your body unless the person is asking for it. Besides, Uncle Severus and Uncle Marvolo have been teaching you all manners of Pureblood etiquette as well as my mother. I know that you would much rather get along with everyone than insult anyone."

Aldwyn's eyes flicker back up Draco before dropping back to his hands, lips upturning into a gentle smile. He nudges Draco with his shoulder feeling some of his nerves melting. Laughing breathlessly when he is pulled into a warm embrace, Aldwyn allows himself to soak up the comfort Draco is offering. Wiping his eyes subtle, Aldwyn carefully extracts himself from his friend. He hops off his bed, he hopes to get a quick relaxing bath in before his party.

"I think I am going to have a quick bath, Draco. There is another bathroom just down the hall if you wish to do the same." Aldwyn informs his friend, uncomfortable with the very prospect of being even partially undressed in front of another person, besides his papa and father. He didn't know how he was going to even handle changing into his school robes on the Hogwarts Express without looking suspicious, but he supposes that he could figure that out when the time drew closer.

Offering a smile to Draco when his friend nods. Watching as Draco walks out of the room in search of the aforementioned bathroom to have his own bath drawn. Aldwyn waits until his door clicks shut before he heads to his en suite. The house elves already preparing his bath for him.

Aldwyn steps out of the bath approximately 45 minutes later, muscles relaxed and feeling much more at ease with the idea of meeting so many new people all at once. He knows that the parents of Draco's friends, his father's followers, were going to be in attendance as well. Many of whom were also prominent Lords and Ladies of their own families and within the Ministry. Aldwyn pokes his head out the bathroom door, scanning his room for any signs of Draco before he slips into the room, towel held securely around his waist.

He is quick to slip on his black boxer briefs, dropping his towel onto the floor where Geeney is quick to snatch it up without so much as an utterance. He pulls on a pair of equally black dress trouser with deep creases spelled down the centre of his legs. Slipping his arms into the soft material of a silver shirt (a colour he didn't think would look as good on him as it did) with green detailing around the hem, cuffs and breast pocket. Buttoning the shirt quickly, casting another glance towards the door as he ensures they are all lined up correctly before tucking himself in.

Aldwyn turns around sitting on the edge of his bed just as the door to his bedroom opens and Draco walks back in with a large smile on his face. He, much like Aldwyn, is dressed in black formal trousers though his mother seems to have paired it with a pure white silk shirt which contrasts almost angelically with his pale skin and Malfoy blond hair. His feet are adorned with plain black socks, similar to the ones Aldwyn is slipping over his feet, for he had left his boots and cloak on Aldwyn's bed.

Drawing his gaze to what he is doing, Aldwyn ensures that his socks are sitting comfortably before he looks around for his boots. Spotting them a moment later sitting at the end of his bed, Aldwyn studies them once more. The Dragonhide boots were pure black with green laces criss-crossing their way up the ankles and shins. He would have to thank his godparents for them once again as he slips the thick boots on. He loves the way they seem to mould perfectly with his feet as he carefully ties the laces.

Standing once more to his full height, Aldwyn grins as he casts a critical eye over himself making sure his clothes are sitting correctly, his trousers tucked neatly into his boots. Shifting his shirt and tugging at his sleeve, Aldwyn deems himself presentable enough to be introduced as Heir Prince-Slytherin to his father's associates and his future school mates and potential friends. Once he has finished fiddling with his clothes, Aldwyn glances across his bedroom, rolling his eyes when Draco slips a midnight blue cloak around his shoulders, the Malfoy crest sitting proudly over his right breast; his hair slicked back in its usually fashion.

Turning his gaze towards his own cloak sitting on his bedspread, Aldwyn stares at the Slytherin family crest stitched into the fabric, fingers brushing against it as a warm smile tugs at his lips. He ponders for a moment whether he would be able to commission a cloak fashioned with both his family crests on; the Prince one on the left while the Slytherin would sit on the right. Picking up his cloak, Aldwyn throws it around his shoulders, fingers fiddling with the clasp for a second before he manages to secure the fabric around his neck.

Aldwyn is just smoothing the material down, ensuring that it hangs just right around his ankles when a pair of boots enter his peripheral vision. Lifting his gaze, Aldwyn smiles at Draco. He watches his friend attempting to sort out the cuffs of his shirt, tugging them so they sat perfectly against his wrists. Aldwyn brushes a strand of hair away from his face, flicking it behind his shoulder. His actions bring a frown to Draco's lips, he brings a hand up, twisting a thin strand through his fingers. For a moment he just stares, eyebrows drawn, mouth thinning.

"We need to do something with your hair, Aldwyn. It is constantly going to be getting in your way when we are playing around outside."

Aldwyn nods, taking a strand in his hand and wraps it around his fingers as he contemplates what he should do, expression morphing into one of deep contemplation. He liked his hair now that it was reaching just below his shoulders, it was much more manageable and made him look even more like his papa which he loved. He didn't want to just tie it in a simple ponytail this time, not when he wished to present as prime and proper as possible. He contemplates what his parents would approve of lips down turning. Draco, places a hand on Aldwyn's shoulder, smiling down at the younger boy.

"It's just… I don't know how I should style it. I want to look as much like a pureblood Heir for Father and Papa, and I really don't want them to be disappointed in me or embarrassed of me. Not in front of their followers." Aldwyn mutters to his friend's chest, only looking up again when he feels something warm wrapping around his hand. A hand which had been tugging a lot harder on his hair than he had realised. Draco carefully untangles the hair from his fingers, cradling Aldwyn's hand in his own.

"I am sure that no matter what you do, Aldwyn your parents would never and could never feel embarrassed or disappointed in anything you do or say. They love you too much for that to happen and are simply happy that you are safe with them." Draco feels his heart clench. He couldn't even begin to understand the desperation Aldwyn was feeling, would never be able to understand the fear his friend is still dealing with, his thoughts of being sent back to those awful beasts. He couldn't empathise fully with Aldwyn, and he hated it. He hated how he couldn't reassure his friend that his worries were unwarranted. That he was loved completely and that his parents would rather lose the battle against Dumbledore and his lackeys than lose him.

"Alright. How about this, Aldwyn. I will do your hair for you today and then if your parents approve of it, I will teach you how to do it yourself. That is if you like it as well. If your parents do not approve, then it will be my fault and I will tell them that. We will keep trying until we can find a suitable hairstyle for you."

Aldwyn stares at his friend in delight, shock, and worry. Each emotion flitting across his face for never a moment. He had never had someone so willing to go out of their way to help him before (not including his parents of course). Not even the Blood-traitor and Mudblood had offered him assistance without the prospect of them getting something in return, whether it be his money or fame.

"Don't worry so much, Aldwyn. I won't get in trouble. I promise. Your parents are going to love whatever you decide to do. Even if you just tied it back like Uncle Severus does."

Somehow Draco knew just what he was worried about. Not only do his words put Aldwyn at ease, but they also make him believe. He knew that his father and papa were going to approve of whatever Draco decided to do with his hair, for the sole reason that it was his hair. He knew this, deep down. Knew that they wouldn't disapprove of anything he did. So, with his confidence rising, Aldwyn walks across the room toward his desk, picking up the brush his father insisted on purchasing for him when he had decided to grow his hair out. Grabbing the leather tie his papa had gifted him as well he hands them over to Draco. His hands wringing nervously when Draco moves to stand out of his eyesight.

Aldwyn's shoulder slump, his head falling backward when he feels the bristles gentle caressing his scalp, the tangles in his hair smoothing away. Only his papa and father had handled him with such care before, Petunia had always pulled too hard, and cut too viciously when trying to tame his untameable locks pre-Hogwarts. He shivers when fingers caress the shell of his ear, his neck and his forehead as Draco leans forward to gather the strands up in a single hand.

When the careful tugging stops suddenly, the heat neat his back retreating, Aldwyn turns around slowly terrified that he would ruin his friend's hard work. He watches as Draco places the brush back on his desk before turning to face Aldwyn with a smile. His cheeks dusted with a pale blush when he catches sight of the appreciation shining in sparkling green and brown eyes. Aldwyn skips over to Draco, giddy energy bursting through him and he tugs his friend into the bathroom, situating himself in front of the full-length mirror so he could get a look at what Draco had done.

His eyes widen, mouth gaping unsightly as he stares across at his reflection. He truly didn't recognise himself now. With his new features from his father and his papa, the Potter and Evans features having disappeared altogether and now his new style. He didn't even remotely look like that beaten, starved, hero-worshipped, terrified little boy anymore. No. Now he truly did look like the Heir to a Noble House and better yet, there would be no question as to whose son he was.

Twisting and turning every which way, Aldwyn's smile widens as his cloak swooshes around his legs, the plait brushing against his back. He loved it. Turning away from the mirror, Aldwyn drags Draco into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around Draco's shoulders as returning ones circle his waist.

"Thank you, Draco. I love it. I don't even really look like me anymore. Do you think Father and Papa are going to like it as well?" He doesn't know why he questions it because somehow, he just knows that his parents are going to like his ensemble. Arms tighten around his waist, and he allows a content smile to pull at his lips, expression softening and relaxing. He drops his head to rest against Draco's shoulder.

"I know that Uncle Severus and Uncle Marvolo are going to be immensely proud to call you their son and Heir, Aldwyn. I am also positive that they are going to want to show you off to all the other adults in attendance. There will be no doubt in anyone's mind that you are a Pureblood through and through. Your parents love you and they will never stop loving you. They could never be embarrassed by you because everything you do, everything you say makes you, you and I don't think they would have it any other way… if they do then I will hex them for you." Draco's voice breaks no room for argument. His confidence and conviction makes Aldwyn have no choice but to believe him.

He cannot help but giggle into Draco's shoulder; an image popping into his head of Draco pointing his wand at both Severus, dungeon bat of Hogwarts and Marvolo, the Dark Lord of Great Britain with determination. Slowly, once he has muffled his chuckles, he draws back. Dropping a quick kiss to Draco's cheek he smooths a hand down his outfit one final time.

"Thank you, Draco. Now, I do believe that we are expected downstairs any minute now and I would hate for us to be late for our own party. So, why don't we make our way down to the gardens?"

Draco feels a smirk shaping his features at Aldwyn's quick change of demeanour. He bows at the waist, mockingly sweeping his arm out as he crosses one foot behind the other, his hand pressing against his chest, over his heart. All the while never breaking eye contact with Aldwyn.

"I do believe you are correct in this matter, Heir Prince-Slytherin. Shall we adjourn to the finer Slytherin gardens at your behest?"

Giggling behind his hand, Aldwyn returns the bow with a delicate curtsy trying not to fall over at the unfamiliar movement. He would never hear the end of it if he did such a thing, even if his balance had been off kilter due to his attempts at curbing his laughter.

"We shall."

Both boys manage to keep their expression blank for a few seconds before they almost fall over themselves in joyous laughter; only being able to keep their footing as they lean against each other for some much-needed support. Their stomachs twinging with slight pain.

Down in the gardens, many of the guests had already arrived. Milling around in small groups as they stragglers are shown through the manor by the house elves on duty. They gossip amongst themselves, many eyes flickering towards the doors leading out of the Mansion in hopes of being the first to lay eyes on the two birthday boys. Especially their Lord's son and Heir, a child they never even knew existed.

Severus and Marvolo were standing near one of the tables which had been piled high with gifts for their son, each opting to dress in their own house colours, as many of the purebloods present had chosen to do, each cloak adorned with their family crest. Severus had chosen a deep purple robe which could almost be mistaken for black, if not for the sunlight reflecting off the material at varying angles. Whereas Marvolo, like his son had dressed in a deep emerald, green cloak adorned with silver snakes slithering and twisting along the hemline.

They were standing alongside the Malfoys, holding glasses of sparkling pop in their hands as they too await the arrival of their children. Though truth be told, Marvolo was highly anticipating seeing the look on Aldwyn's face when he takes his first glance around the gardens. The elves had been hard at work from the early hours of the morning to ensure that everything was perfect for their Little Dark Prince Aldwyn's birthday, and they truly had outdone themselves.

The Gazebo, a large wooden structure a couple of meters from the house had been covered in green and silver streamers. Each hung with extreme care around the outside, twisting between the beams. Small balls of 'fairy light' could be seen twinkling between the silken material. Inside the gazebo, the elves had placed the long table now overflowing with presents all of which were addressed to Aldwyn. Draco's friends had gifted him his presents during the school year as his birthday fell in late June. The pile shone an assortment of colours ranging from bright reds, blues and even yellows to dark greens, black and silver.

Rows upon rows of thin tables had been set up along the perimeter of the sectioned off area for party goers, all covered in black and silver tablecloths accented with green. They were filled with an array of muggle and wizarding food as they had not wished to overwhelm Aldwyn with an onslaught of foods he had never seen before, let alone tried. There were platters and spreads which the kitchen elves had been up from exceedingly early in the morning in order to prepare, ensuring that everything was cooked to perfection.

However, the main attraction in the midst of all the food was a large 5-layered birthday cake which Marvolo had been informed only the Head elf had the authorisation to bake and decorate; apparently Conpey was extremely possessive of his cakes, especially birthday cakes. The cake itself was iced in a thin layer of deep purple buttercream, Aldwyn's favourite colour, with an assortment of flowers decorating each layer; they had even been designed with their house crests in mind. The Slytherin crest had been painstakingly drawn at the top of the cake, flanked by both the Prince and Malfoy crests. It was a true work of art. Something which Marvolo couldn't help but snap with a newly purchased camera. He and Severus did not want to miss any moments with their son and so had agreed to buy a camera and lean the development spells for them; they had plans to create a brand-new family album for Aldwyn to keep.

The large marble fountain, which incorporated a statue of Salazar Slytherin had been covered in more 'fairy light' balls, alternating between green, silver, midnight blue and deep purple. The sparks dancing gracefully across the marble ornament, glistening on the water's surface which is flowing steadily, filling the gardens with a soothing atmosphere as it washes over their company, melding with their quiet murmurings.

A sharp inhalation halts the conversations happening all around the garden, as the congregation turns to find the boys, they had been waiting for standing before them. Marvolo, Severus, Lucius and Narcissa smile down at the awestruck children watching as their eyes dart around trying to take in as much detail as possible. Aldwyn completely freezes at the sight, tears coming to his eyes, his throat clogging up and he almost stumbles. Draco grips his hand in a tight hold, pulling him forward so they could greet their parents before facing the masses staring at them.

"Happy birthday, Snakelet. You as well, Draco." Marvolo ruffles Aldwyn's hair lightly, mindful of his son's meticulously arranged hairstyle. It takes every bit of his pureblood etiquette training to stop him from pulling his son into his arms and cradling the boy.

"Happy birthday, Snakelet. Happy belated birthday, Draco." Severus greets next, eyes softening when he sees the look in his son's eyes. His hand slips into Marvolo's leaning subtly into the man's side.

"Thank you, Father, Papa. The gardens look fantastic!" Aldwyn happily accepts the double embrace he is tugged into. He sighs contentedly, burying himself deeper into their shared warmth as he allows himself a brief moment to gather his composure before he, reluctantly, pulls away. His smile stretching across his face when Draco squeezes his hand again.

"Yes, thank you for including me as well, Uncle Severus, Uncle Marvolo. I appreciate the efforts you have put in to celebrating with us today." Draco murmurs with a short bow showing his gratitude to the two people he had come to see as part of his extended family.

"You are most welcome, Draco." Severus ruffles Draco's hair this time, chuckling when his Godson squeaks in protest. Draco had always been quite particular about his hair and Severus loved to wind the young boy up about it whenever he had the chance. Draco acted so much like his father at times that it was almost scary. He turns to his partner, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips when he sees the deeply hidden surprise shining through. He squeezes Marvolo's hand.

"Uncle?"

Draco feels his ears heating up at the question, his cheeks glowing. Belatedly realising that he had indeed never called the Dark Lord his 'Uncle', at least he had never done it out loud before. Except maybe once or twice in front of Aldwyn, but he had never said it for the Dark Lord to overhear. Offering up a shy smile, Draco scratches the back of his neck, smiling when Aldwyn tightens his grip around his hand.

"Well, you are already courting my Uncle Severus and we all know that you are going to be bonded in the future. So that would make you my uncle as well. I mean it is only fair that I get to call you that seen as Aldwyn calls both of my parents Aunt and Uncle. Besides, I didn't think you would appreciate me calling you Aunt…"

"It is an honour, Draco. Thank you." Marvolo mutters, pressing a kiss to Draco's forehead. He chuckles at the cheeky remark at the end before repeating the gesture to his son whose smile has stretched across his face, green eyes sparkling with mischief when he glances over at Lord and Lady Malfoy, bewildered by their Lord's actions. Cleary, despite the time spent in his company since rescuing Aldwyn, they hadn't expected him to act so leniently towards their own child.

Marvolo's smirk widens causing Severus to shake his head in amusement, a quiet murmur reaching Marvolo's ears earning the potion's master a light cuff round the back of his head by an equally as amused Dark Lord. Marvolo presses a kiss on Severus's temple.

"And people say children are immature."

Deciding to turn the conversation back toward the children everyone was here to celebrate, Severus studies Aldwyn to a moment, finally noticing the tight plait which his son is happily sporting. He wonders briefly if one Geeney had offered her assistance to style the strands in such a way, he knew just how overprotective Aldwyn could be over his lengthening hair after all, he was almost as bad as the Malfoy men. He feels a sense of pride swelling in his chest when he sees the leather tie being used outside the potion's lab.

"Snakelet, who tied your hair for you? It looks magnificent, very regal. Much like the Heir to one of the most Prestigious Households of the Wizarding world. You are using the tie I gave you."

Aldwyn preens when he hears the prideful undertones coating his papa's voice, feeling himself choke up as some of his earlier worries were truly put to rest. He knows that Severus is far from embarrassed by his appearance. His hand brushes down the length of the plait, dragging the end over his shoulder so he could twist it around his finger. His papa was even touched that he had chosen to put his small gift to good use as well.

"Thank you, Papa. I really like it. Draco did it for me!" Aldwyn grins from his papa to Draco who returns with a bright smile of his own, going so far as to shoot Aldwyn a thumbs up. His fingers continue to stroke down the end of the plait, eyes misting. He shifts his gaze back to his parents who are smiling down at him their expressions completely open and soft. Aldwyn couldn't stop himself this time. He throws himself at his father and papa, allowing their arms to wrap around him in a secure embrace before giving the same treatment to his Godparents. He doesn't bat an eye when the adults around the garden continue to stare down at him.

Aldwyn giggles when he is finally ushered away with gentle hands. Draco waving over his shoulder as he takes his friend's hand in his once again, lending his strength as he leads him over to the group of children who seem to be having a small gather all of their own. However, before they can make it even halfway to Draco's school friends, a voice calls out to them drawing more attention. Aldwyn is sure he even hears one of the adults chocking in surprise.

"Aldwyn! Draco!"

Turning sharply on his heels, Aldwyn drops Draco's hand as his eyes lock onto the person who had shouted across the garden. A bright smile takes hold and Aldwyn is quick to make his way toward the two men giggling happily when he is immediately lifted into a warm and familiar embrace of Bill Weasley. Wrapping his arms and legs around the older wizard, Aldwyn glances over Bill's shoulder, grinning at Charlie who places a hand on his head in greeting.

"Hello, Bill, Charlie. I see that you have finally managed to escape the clutches of the evil old codger. How was your celebratory breakfast at Hogwarts?"

Bill scrunches his nose up in distaste drawing a short laugh from Aldwyn. Shifting his arms, Bill manages to settle Aldwyn comfortably on his hip between himself and Charlie. Although he had grown a couple of inches and filled out since his adoption, the child was still far too light. He shakes his head, an expression mimicked perfectly by Charlie who wraps an arm around Aldwyn as well.

"It was pretty amusing at first, what with the delivery of the Emergency Daily Prophecy and everything, well done on that by the way, Parum Anguis. It was entertaining to see Professor McGonagall grilling your papa about you and your father, she was quite offended that Severus hadn't informed her the second he entered into an official courtship. However, it quietened down drastically, the breakfast heading immediately downhill once your papa left. Everyone just started talking about lesson plans and other boring things." Bill whines pathetically, cuddling Aldwyn closer as the boy chuckles at their plight.

Draco snickers along with them from his place on the floor, glad that he hadn't been subjected to such trivial matters. Charlie nods in agreement, eyes shining with mirth at the memory of Severus's face when Minerva had begun questioning him about his personal life away from his teaching profession. If he hadn't been mistaken from the looks of disbelief stretching along the table, Charlie believes that many of their colleagues thought it impossible for Severus to even have a life away from Hogwarts, let alone a partner and child. He was anticipating their reactions when Aldwyn is called up for his sorting.

"Poor Papa." Aldwyn laments, curbing his chuckles. He knew how much his papa valued his privacy and how uncomfortable Professor McGonagall's questions must have made him. No wonder he had gotten out of their as quickly as he had.

"Poor Severus indeed, but enough about us and our very boring meeting this morning. How are you, Parum Anguis? Happy birthday, to you as well, Draco."

"I am exceedingly well, thank you Bill, and thank you."

"Yes, happy birthday, Aldwyn, Draco."

"Thank you, Weasleys."

"Oh, come on, Little Malfoy. You are allowed to call these Weasleys by their first names, you know. Even Lucius does."

Aldwyn giggles once again, looking at the expression slowly morphing Draco's face at even the thought of calling any of the Weasleys by their given name. He realises that Draco hadn't spent as much time with Bill and Charlie as he had before today, and even when he had been in there, mostly Bill's, company he hadn't interacted with them much.

"Are the two of you staying after the party? Have you finished moving all your belongings into the Mansion yet?"

"Yup, you are going to be seeing a lot more of use now Aldwyn. Of course, we are going to be staying after the party, we wouldn't want to leave you alone with all these boring adults now, would we?"

Aldwyn laughs, his eyes sparkling with mirth as he hugs Bill tighter. He wonders for a brief moment what his papa and father, let alone the Malfoys would say if they found out that they had been called 'boring adults'. A pout comes to his lips when Bill returns his hug before placing him back on his feet. Though his smile returns when Bill and Charlie stoop down to drop a kiss on his forehead. Turning Aldwyn around, Charlie gestures for Draco to lead the younger boy back towards the group of children still milling around and conversing with each other. Noticing the apprehension dawning across Aldwyn's expression, Charlie crouches down, placing a hand on Aldwyn's shoulder.

"We will speak to you later, Aldwyn. Go and have some fun. I am sure they are going to adore you."

Nodding his head, Aldwyn finally allows Draco to begin leading him towards the Slytherin children once more, the small group not seeming to have noticed the arrival of their friend just yet, nor the birthday boys of the day which Aldwyn found a little strange. Weren't Slytherin's supposed to be cunning and sneaky? Weren't they supposed to be aware of their surroundings more than others? Then again, they were surrounded by a large group of fully trained Dark wizards, and inside some of the most complex wards, so its not surprising they are so relaxed.

As Draco moves excitedly toward his friends, some of whom he hadn't seen since the end of term feast at the beginning of the summer, he keeps a firm grip on Aldwyn's hand as reassurance. To keep Aldwyn at ease. Aldwyn flinches when his ears are suddenly assaulted by various shouts of greeting and congratulations as Draco is pulled into conversation with his housemates. Aldwyn, on the other hand, has never felt so awkward. He remains outside the group, watching from the side lines with wide eyes, as the boisterous children interact with each other. A fearful glint shines in his eyes as a boy with sandy blond hair jumps on Draco's back, dislodging their hands quite forcefully.

Aldwyn shrinks into himself, taking several steps away from the Slytherins, mind flying back to the conversation he held with Draco in his bedroom. He is afraid that these children won't like him, that he will be ostracized because he hadn't been in their clique from the beginning. That they would see him as an outsider and despise him. His hands start to shake, anxieties rising, and he wants nothing more than to turn on his heels and escape to the comforting arms of his parents. He doesn't want to encroach on this seemingly unbreakable friendship with his unwanted presence; didn't want these children to begin diving on him or slinging their arms around his shoulders.

His thoughts continue to spiral downwards, fingers clenching in the fabric of his robes as he takes another step backward unsure whether if he should bolt from the scene or not. He is so caught up in his fears that he doesn't notice the worried glances of Bill and Charlie; the concern shining in his parents' gazes, nor the rapt attention the Malfoys have on him. Each of whom are wound tight, prepared to step in if he should have another relapse. He can feel his breath picking up, his chest tightening.

Then something hesitant taps him on the shoulder.