Again we have a connection between Snape and the Malfoy family. Draco expresses his certainty that Snape will have his father's vote, meaning that Lucius is aware of Snape's talents and believes ...

Draco Malfoy might be the school yard antagonist ... and he suddenly begins to see conspiracies all around him. Snape promises to protect Draco from this moment, and the Dark Lord's influence ...