A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything

Chapter 7

When he first walked in he was stunned, there were no two ways about it. Tapestries and painting lined the walls, rich greens and reds, golds and blacks carefully woven together to give the sitting area a warm feeling. The fire was already burning merrily, an animated portrait of a meadow over it. There were chairs and a couch, a table set up with a chess set and different little nick knacks like in Albus’ office all over the place. He spied two doors, each with their own tapestry and wandered over to the one on the left.

“Draco, come here a moment.” Jumping in nervousness, he quickly walked over to the Headmaster who was sitting down slowly by the fireplace. His spectacles reflected the firelight as he gazed at the boy before him before speaking, “Before you venture into that room, I think we need to have a talk about rules.”

Draco gulped softly, these talks were never good. Talk of rules led to talks about what rules he’d broken which led to broken fingers and he shook his head of the thought. Albus wasn’t father. He wouldn’t do that. He’d said he wouldn’t hurt him and this was the first adult he truly believed, “Rules, sir?”

“Yes. Just like in school there are rules to keep you safe, there are some very simple ones while you are here during the summer. I want you to think of this as your home so you may come and go as you please so long as they do not break the rules.” Draco nodded slightly and waited, “Now, the first rule is obvious. Not to go into the Forbidden Forest. But I think you don’t like the woods anyway so it won’t be a problem.” Draco was quick to nod in agreement. He hated that forest, “Now, along with that rule, I want you to stay on Hogwarts grounds, do you understand? You are not to leave without expressed permission from an adult.” What did Albus take him for, a Gryffindor? But he dutifully nodded, “Excellent. Now the norm still applies. Do not destroy school property. Curfew won’t be the issue as I will collect you at bedtime... oh, yes, and you will need to finish your summer homework on time.” Draco blinked in surprise. That was it? Those were the big rules of the summer? Why did Albus even bother? But he still nodded respectfully and waited. Stroking his beard for a moment before nodding to himself, “There is one final matter, concerning the use of a certain word when describing muggleborn witches and wizards...” Draco froze, knowing this could be a very bad conversation. He wasn’t ignorant to the fact that you didn’t say such things in front of the Professors, even if his father insisted on it, “It will no longer be tolerated, Draco, and I will be enforcing it’s lack of use...do you understand?”

Swallowing, getting a feeling he did understand, “Yes, sir.”

The Headmaster smiled, “The door to the left leads to my chambers and the password is ‘enter’. The door to the right is yours and you may give it any password you choose. Simply put your hand on the portrait and speak it.” Albus was giving him the password to his private chambers... why? Albus seemed to guess what he was thinking, “We’ve had a bit of a rough month and I want you to feel comfortable coming and going. So, you may enter my rooms at any time if you need to talk or if you are visited with nightmares.”

Draco looked down shyly for a moment. Malfoys didn’t have nightmares, or so his father claimed. And he’d heard the muggleborn whisper amongst each other about their homes. He never got to have things like night lights or being tucked in at night. And he was forbidden from running from his room to his parents with a nightmare, since obviously he didn’t have them. He nodded a little, moving towards his room and pressing his hand lightly on the portrait. It was from the point of view on top of a mountain, overlooking a valley of trees. Like looking out from the entrance to a cave almost, “Dragon’s Lair.”

Since Draco meant dragon he found it rather funny and with a grin the door swung open. And once again he was stunned. All of his books were neatly lined along the shelving and filled to the brim since he had so many. His desk his great grandmother had left him. His wizarding chess set, the special addition that included a fire breathing dragon as a knight. The locket his parents had commissioned for his birth which had a picture of each of them inside, back when they were young and happier. Carefully, he put his violin down safely on his desk before continuing his exploration.

He wandered into the connected bathroom, his favorite towels under the sink, his gel and grooming kit all neatly put away. But there were other things to investigate so he silently took in the new additions. There were small silver dragons interwoven into the tapestries covering his walls. A bedspread over the large bed of silver, green, and deep red. There was even a small, stuffed dragon sitting at the head, prompting a small smile from him.

Okay, he liked dragons and apparently Albus had picked up on it. His room had two broad windows, one of them opened a crack and a telescope propped up and ready for use. He loved to look at the stars. His trunk was empty, all of his clothing in the bureau and cupboard. His broom and care kit were hidden in the corner, carefully out of the way. His school books were neatly stacked, as well as some new ones about distant countries...and dragons of course.

There was a doorway off to the side and he opened it, staring in surprise as he realized his entire potions lab from the manor had been moved in here. His cauldron and supplies, all of his formulas carefully organized and exactly as he’d left it. He couldn’t believe it. Looking carefully at the wall, he realized it was literally the lab from the manor, because he could still see the safety spell he’d placed in the brick work to ensure a fire wouldn’t spread or that outside magic wouldn’t mix in with his potions by mistake.

He walked out slowly, letting the door close behind him and allowing his brain to settle as he leaned back against the oak. He really couldn’t believe it and ran his fingers carefully through his hair. He tilted his head a little at the strange thing glittering in the corner. Pushing open the portrait, “Headma-...Albus?”

The Headmaster had settled himself near the fire with a book, “Yes, Draco.”

“What’s this sparkling thing in the corner?”

Giving him a small smile, “A magical night light, of course.”

Draco’s eyes sparkled much like the light. This man had gone to a lot of trouble to make him feel at home. Better than home, actually, “Oh. Of course.”

***

Draco woke up with a gasp, sitting up in bed and quietly panting as he convulsively strangled the sheets within his grip. With wide eyes he looked around, his thundering heartbeat slowing down as he realized where he was. He was at Hogwarts. He was safe. Shivering, he huddled in the bed, pulling the covers in tightly over his body and staring at the twinkling light in the corner. The light would have helped most nights. But not really tonight.

This was a new place. Sure, it was his but it was still new and he really wanted a hug right now. In merely a week Dumbledore had managed to completely ruin his instinct to stay physically distant from everyone. The old man was constantly squeezing his shoulder or hugging him in encouragement and he’d grown to really like it. He nibbled on his lower lip and slipped to the floor, finding his slippers and reaching for the afghan his grandmother had made for him when he was three. It was the only thing he had of her’s and his most prized possession. Wrapping it around his body as he silently crept out of his portrait and towards the Headmaster’s room. Would the man be angry with him? Would he yell at him for being so weak? He wasn’t sure but he was too scared-...nervous not to at least venture near him, “Draco?” With a terrified yelp he spun around, back pressed against the wall and jarring one of the portraits. The older wizard in the portrait frowned down at the small boy for waking him before dozing off once more. Albus looked over his spectacles in concern, “Lad are you alright?” Lips pressed firmly together, he silently shook his head and trembled. Albus put aside the book he was reading, eyes catching the clock to see it was only half past ten, “Come here, child.”

Ducking his head down in shame, Draco nearly scurried the distance between them, stopping just short of actually touching the wizard. Like before, Albus saw that the young boy didn’t have the confidence or trust for that final leap of faith and picked him up without question. Draco instantly curled up against him, closing his eyes as strong arms wrapped around him and held him securely and finally he was safe.

Running fingers along the blond locks, “Did you have a nightmare?”

Snuggling, eyes closed, “I think so. I don’t really remember. I just woke up and I was frightened.”

Albus nodded silently to himself. He understood those kind of dreams. The ones with no memory were often the worst but they drifted just as quickly. Many of the first year students had dreams such as these, occurring since it was their first time away from home. The Heads of House took care of the issue though it was never openly discussed amongst the students. Actually, he could vaguely remember a rather sleep deprived Severus during Draco’s first week of his first year. Boarding school was difficult enough for an eleven year old. He could imagine it was doubly hard for a nine year old.

During his musings the boy in his lap had stilled some time ago and he looked down with a small smile, eyes twinkling to see Draco sound asleep once more. Now the only question was moving him, “I had wondered if he would have nightmares again.”

Glancing over at the portrait that must have opened while he was thinking, Severus Snape in the entryway. Whispering softly, “Severus. Come to tuck the lad in?”

Snape made a face at the phrasing but said nothing, moving silently across the short distance and effortlessly picking up his godson without jarring him in the slightest, a move that betrayed repetition. His hardened features unknowingly softened as he returned the child to his bed. His only weakness after all was this boy. And were his enemies to discover it they would use it to their advantage. So only behind closed doors with those he trusted completely could he allow such moments. Carefully Draco was put back to bed and soundlessly Severus slipped back into the dungeons.