Draco also wished he knew Alphard as a boy. He didn't know much about the man at all. While there were occasional mentions of Sirius or Andromeda, usually cautionary tales, not much had been spoken regarding the uncle who helped Sirius. Draco suspected losing the last remnants of the Black legacy had something to do with the silence, but he never asked. Why would he? At the time, these people were nothing more than stories. It was what made it easy for Draco to taunt Harry about Sirius. Sirius was not a cousin, but some traitor who didn't want to be part of their family. It made Draco's stomach sick just thinking about it.
The noise startled Draco who was very much lost in his own mind. "I am sorry," he started, "I'll go---" He wasn't able to finish since Alphard was suddenly clutching Draco's hand. He wasn't used to such easy understanding, especially not from a man. Lucius had been complicated and still was. Severus was...Severus. Draco really had no other comparisons other than perhaps Mr. MacMillan who had been much like Alphard with the warmth and understanding. Why had Draco rejected anyone who would have been good for him? Was he that messed up there?
"I really do---I want to be better," he promised. "I try." He sounded young even to himself, but he really was still a boy despite it all. He was just grateful Alphard was still talking to him. He didn't even scold him like an older Salazar and Godric had. Draco sensed the sincerity which just...it was surprising and, for once, made him feel like maybe he was doing something right. He smiled a little and tapped the hand holding his. "Please don't leave." He knew it wasn't a promise Alphard could make, not with the wonky magic, but he asked it anyway. He asked his parents the same thing before trips. Draco always did fear being alone.