Here we go - another story that's been haunting me for merlin-knows how long. Before I get inundated with reviews, yes, I know how similar it runs to Deathly Hallows. However, I started this story months before JK finished hers, and whereas I mentally berate myself on how close the two stories run, I also hate to leave anything unfinished.

Things run simply, I'm not doing this for credit or profit, simply for pleasure. If you like it, let me know. If you don't, simply stop reading it. Whatever you think, I enjoy writing and plan on finishing this. Please feel free to see my profile for possible future stories as well.

Hope you enjoy. Kit. xxx

Chapter 1

Severus Snape glided up the slight incline towards his house, ignoring the rustling of curtains in the open windows of the red brick houses that he passed, but keeping a wary eye out for any unexplained shadows lurking in the dark gardens separated from the pot-holed street by rusted black railings.

The former potions master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was tired, but the night's hardships didn't seem to have an effect on his stride and his craving for a comfortable chair accompanied by a roaring fire and a large glass of red wine fuelled his veins with the strength to walk the final few yards.

A noise from behind him made his uncharacteristically wandering thoughts to plummet away from the simple pleasures he desired, and the night's events once more caused his chest to tighten and a wave of nausea to chill his already trembling body.

It seemed that he was not the only one to be cursed with sickness, as the sound of vomiting made him slow his pace and turn around. His gaze fell upon the figure of a young man, dressed in the uniform of the school he used to teach at. The silver haired boy was leaning against a crumbling wall, his white knuckled hand gripping the railing that run along it as he emptied his stomach for the third time that short trip.

Severus glanced about him, wand in hand, making sure that no-one had seen the two of them on the dark road before making his way over to the boy.

"Come, Draco." he said softly, "We are close to home. The sooner we can get there, the safer you will be."

The young man laughed, and spat after a couple of coughs. "SAFE?" he said with a laugh, panic in his eyes. "Where can I ever be safe? Don't you realise what you just did? He knows! It was supposed to be me, Severus. Don't you understand? He'll kill me. And mother. And there is nothing you can do about it."

"I'm fully aware of what I just did, and don't need reminders from an unthinking and foolish boy like yourself. But there is no need to tempt fate, so get a move on."

Snape spun around and started striding once more for his house, before a quiet voice stopped him.

"Why did you do it?"

He froze, and swallowed hard before he turned around.

"I made a promise." he said in an equally subdued tone.

"To my mother?" Draco asked, taking a couple of steps closer. "She made you take the Vow didn't she… I know she did. Aunt Bella told me."

Snape looked at him.

"So why ask?"

Draco shrugged and moved closer still. "I was confused for a long time, about where your loyalties lay. I…" he hesitated, hanging his head so that he didn't have to look at the tall, dark-haired figure in front of him. "I guess I expected… even hoped, that you were something different."

Snape almost smiled slightly to himself, before a slight breeze that had picked up rustled his robes and reminded him that they were still vulnerable and in the open.

He placed a hand on Draco's drooped shoulder, and stayed silent until the boy's eyes met his own.

"Yes, I did make a promise to your mother." he said. "But most importantly, I made a promise to myself that I would no longer follow the instructions of one who does not have my respect. Like a true Slytherin, all of my promises are made only to those who hold my trust, no matter what side they are on."

He watched as confusion crossed over his young protégé's face.

"Come." he repeated, indicating the house behind him. "We have a lot to discuss, and many things that I believe you should hear before you make any more foolish pledges."