"Severus, augh, what is that smell?!" You covered your nose as your husband approached. "It's making me ill!"

"McLaggen's stomach didn't sit well with the hors d'oeuvre and relieved itself upon my shoes. So, with that, I'm afraid we simply must take leave of the party."

"Just because your shoes are soiled doesn't mean she must go!" Slughorn lamented, but was interrupted by a familiar pointy-face shrew boy's voice.

"Take your hands off me, you filthy squib!" A frown overtook Slughorn's face and he turned toward the source of the commotion. As you looked around, you noticed Draco Malfoy in Filch's rough grip.

"Professor Slughorn, sir! I've just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party." Filch squealed out happily, grating on your ears.

"Okay, okay, I was gate-crashing. Happy?"

Severus took your hand and pulled you forward. "We'll escort him out." Draco's eyes shifted, regarding Severus and yourself. Likely evaluating his options. Choosing the simplest option, he shrugged free of Filch.

"Certainly... Professor." Severus took the boy's arm and harshly dragged him out, along with you. Once out in the hallway, Draco's face scrunched up. "What is that awful smell?!"

"You listen here, boy, and you listen well." Severus pushed him up against the wall, leaving you behind him. "The Dark Lord gave you a mission and you are slaughtering it. And with that, you are taking yourself one step close to being slaughtered. Your father is already not in a good position within the circle and your meddling mother has made me agree to protect you."

"I didn't ask you to! So, stop! I can do it myself!"

"You are sloppy." His hand inched up to the boy's neck. "It was you who hexed the girl. Don't think it's not an easy line to trace back. Even the Potter boy suspects you."

"Maybe I did hex that Bell girl. Maybe I didn't. What's it to you?" As Severus let go of the boy, he slumped against the wall in lazy insolence, and Severus backed up with his nose raised in contempt.

"I swore to protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow–"

"—I said I don't need protection. I was chosen for this! Out of all others. Me! And I won't fail him." His eyes looked wide and frightened and you stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder. You spoke gently to the young man.

"You're afraid, Draco. You attempt to conceal it, but it's obvious. Let us assist you–"

"No! I was chosen. This is my moment!" He shoved your hand off and pushed past Severus. "Get out of my way, Professor Puke-Shoes." And in just another moment, he was gone.

Severus hit his head against the concrete. "The boy is going to get himself and me killed."

"Don't say that, my love." You rubbed his back. "Although I fear it will be true. Now, let's get you cleaned up... Professor Puke-Shoes."