AU: What if the Malfoy's were tired of a madman directing the course of their lives and decided to play their own game? Set at the beginning of PoA.

AU: Severus Snape does not cast the fatal blow at the end of Half Blood Prince. Severus can finally fulfill his promise to Lily and protect her son, the only way he knows how.

In the wake of the final battle, one loss hits Harry harder than all the others. A very unexpected person is there to help him pick up the pieces. One-Shot. Beta'd by Jucy Sam.