Draco's POV

"Draco," Snape smiled at me when I walked into his office. Well, Dumbledore's old office. "It is great to see you, son."

I nodded. "Nice to see you as well, Severus. It's great to be out of the manor, and back at Hogwarts."

"I know I am certainly glad that he decided to place you back in my care," he then got up, moved over to me, and pulled me into a hug.

I hugged him back. I admit that I almost broke down crying in his arms. I didn't realize until that moment that I really needed some fatherly love. I don't know if Severus sees me as a son at all, but he is definitely the father that I never had. When he let go, I felt all my broken pieces not feel as jagged.

"Well, let's get you up to speed on what is happening here at Hogwarts," he placed his hand on my cheek for a breif moment before moving to sit behind his desk. "I, until recently, have not had any heads of houses this year."

I nodded and sat down in the chair on the other side of his desk. "All year? Wait, what's the date today?"

"Today, my boy, is May first."

How could it have been May already? I couldn't believe that so much time has passed since I last seen Courtney. I believe it was December or something when I last looked into those beautiful, blue eyes. It was the day that I promised that I would do whatever it took to stay alive, to come back to her. I was just hoping that it wouldn't be too much longer until we were reunited.

Just then a rugged and twisted looking man came into to office with Blaise, Mitch, and Micah following him. "Here's the rest of them."

"Thank you, Amycus. That will be all," Severus said, waving him away.

I sighed. "What is Alecto teaching here?" I was merely curious. Amycus and his sister, Alecto, were as horrible as my Aunt Bellatrix.

"Alecto and his sister both teach Torturing 101," he then took in a deep breath, "and are both in charge of discipline."

I shook my head. "So, we just came straight from one hell to another."

"Well, you won't be going through the direct torture, but in a sense, yes. Hogwarts is not the place of friendship and commodity that it once was," he picked up some papers off his desk. "It breaks one's heart to be apart of the ruining."

"So, what should our jobs as Heads of Houses entail?" I asked, not trying to keep him even though I would love to just sit and talk to him for hours.

"Just as it sounds," he said, getting up and walking over to the shelf that was to his right. "You will lead each house, assigning points and such," he grabbed the Sorting hat, "but first we have to place you. I know two of you did not attend Hogwarts, and the ones that did have gone through a great ordeal and may have changed houses."

I exchanged looks with Blaise. I wonder if Blaise or I really could've changed so much in the span of a little over a year. I had always thought of myself as a Slytherin through and through. I mean, the hat didn't even touch my head when I was eleven before placing me in Slytherin. What could've really changed?

"Let's start with Mitch," he said, placing the hat upon his head.

There was a few moments of silence then: "Hufflepuff!"

Mitch definitely seemed like a Hufflepuff. He was always so gentle and thoughtful when it came to anything that he did. Plus, he was a great finder. I believe that Hufflepuffs are known for that.

"Ravenclaw!" The hat yelled after a few moments of consideration after being placed on Micah's head.

That placement didn't shock me in the slightest. He was always calculating and logical when it came to any situation he was put in. He was always a strategist when we went on missions together.

Snape moved over to Blaise. We were both Slytherin's at heart. Could it be possible that the hat would decide that we each would be in different houses? What if Blaise and I both got chosen for Slytherin. Who could properly run the Gryffindor house?

"Slytherin!" The hat yelled, needing less time to figure out Blaise.

I took in a deep breath as Snape moved over to me. I would hate to think that I had changed that much since my last sorting. But then again, it wouldn't be that bad. I mean, the man I am today is what brought Courtney back into my life. She didn't like who I was before, which ended our friendship. I know she chose to be in Gryffindor, which wasn't the wrong choice for her, but I know she hated me to an extent back then. So, perhaps, I have changed that much.

"Gryffindor!" The hat yelled, barely even touching my head.

It was just like my last sorting. I was a Gryffindor though and through. The thought made me smile as I looked over to my best mate, who looked very surprised at the results of my new sorting. This really was the best thing that could've happened during this period of horrid days and nights. A Gryffindor; not a Slytherin. Imagine that.

"I'm proud of you, Draco," Severus smiled down at me as smiled. "You're not fighting what has happened, like I thought you would. You really have changed for the better."

I couldn't help but start sobbing. I put my face in my hands and started rocking back and forth. I felt Snape put his hand on my back to calm me. However, it wasn't sadness that had taken over me. It was happiness. No one had ever said they were proud of me and had actually meant it just as he had done.

I looked up and wiped my tears ago. "Thank you, Severus. I really appreciate your kind words."

He nodded. "You are like a son to me, Draco. I will always be here for you, no matter what."

I beamed up at him and shared a smile for just a brief moment. I can't believe that I actually had someone who loved me the way I've always wanted to be loved. The feeling was overwhelming...and a little unsettling at first, but I finally had it. I had a father.

"Now, I will show you to your new quarters before we are to head to dinner back at the Malfoy Manor."

I was so happy to be out of the dungeons and in the Gryffindor tower. There would be sunshine coming through the windows. Perhaps that's why I was in a terrible mood most of the time since I spend a great deal in the dark. We didn't even get to be settled in before we had to head back to be in the presence of the Dark Lord. As soon as we had gotten back, Pansy was in full blown tears as she ran up to Blaise.

"What is it, Pans?" He reached out to her, but she retracted away. "Tell me what's wrong?"

She shook her head. "It's gone." She trembled with fear.

"What's gone? Pansy?" he tried to put an arm round her, but she pulled away once more.

Lila then came down the stairs to see the situation. She hurried down and embraced Pansy before looking around at all of us.

"She lost the baby," she explained, tears starting to stream down her own face. "She's terrified at what is in store for you both tonight."

Blaise looked as if he was about to faint. "Pansy, I-"

"It's all your fault!" she yelled. "You told me to try and get rid of it, and that's exactly what happened! I knew that you would be the death of me, Zabini. I just knew it!"

I looked over at Blaise, who was looking down at his feet. I didn't get time to question him before we were summoned to the dinning room. We stood near our usual seats while waiting for Him. When he came in, he did not look too pleased. He walked straight passed his own chair before stopping and slamming his hand down in front of Blaise.

"I hear that condolences are in order, Blaise," he thundered, making Blaise jump. "This is definitely not good news, sir. What also is not good news is what I hear took place to have us in this situation. So, tell me, Blaise. Is it true? Did you tell Pansy to get rid of it?"

He slowly nodded while looking at the floor. "Yes, my Lord."

"Did you think that I wouldn't find out? I know everything that happens, Blaise. I am your Lord; I see all," he then reached out and pushed Blaise's face up so he could look into his eyes. "I need you to go down to the cellar. I will meet you there momentarily."

I watched Blaise leave the room with terror. I couldn't believe that he had done this, gone against what He wanted. He needed to stay alive as well. I needed my best mate; I couldn't loose him as well.

"Let this be a lesson to all of you," he said, looking from me down to the other teens, "especially Mitch and Diana, since they are the next couple to have conceived."

We all slowly applauded.

"You may all now sit and enjoy your dinner. I have some business I need to attend to," Our Lord said as he took the same route that Blaise had out of the room.