word count: 1,438
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
≪ °☆° ≫
You limp out into the dim light of dawn, trying to ignore the bodies littering the ruins of what was once Hogwarts. You, Hermione, and Ron, walk down the steps, staring in horror as Voldemort and Nagini stroll closer, his army of Death Eaters trailing behind him. Hagrid is beside them, two ropes around his neck.
Ginny walks forward slowly, Arthur's arm around her, following closely behind Neville.
"Who is it that Hagrid's carrying? Neville, who is it?"
"Harry Potter is dead!" Voldemort shouts.
"No! No!" Ginny cries, rushing forward. Arthur pulls her back as Voldemort casts a spell.
"Silence!" Hermione and Ron look on, heartbroken. You stare at Harry's body, your best friend, your brother, praying it's all a huge nightmare. "Stupid girl. Harry Potter is dead. From this day forth, you put your faith in me," Voldemort says. He turns around to his followers and holds his arms out. "Harry Potter is dead!" he shouts, causing the Death Eaters to erupt in laughter.
Draco stands beside you, his jaw clenched in sadness. You subtly step closer to him despite your own grief, knowing the guilt he's feeling.
"And now is the time to declare yourself. Come forward and join us or die." No one moves to join him, causing tension and anger to radiate off of him.
"Draco," Lucius Malfoy whispers harshly, loud enough for everyone to hear. Eyes turn to him as he swallows thickly, sorrow filling his eyes. Draco doesn't move.
"Draco, come," Narcissa repeats softly. Torment and decisions to be made flit over his face. Finally, he takes a step forward. Your hand grabs his reflexively. He freezes, his eyes slowly lowering to your hand grasping his.
"Stay," you whisper. His eyes shoot up to yours, tears falling. A million emotions pass over his face before one remains.
Resolve.
He takes a step back to your side, keeping your hand in his. You look back to his parents, rage crossing Lucius' face. You look over at Narcissa, expecting the same. But that's not what you see. What you see is reluctant acception.
"Draco, you dare turn your back on your family? Me? Your Lord!" Voldemort shouts. Draco is quiet for a moment, the air heavy with loss and anticipation for the inevitable fight ahead.
"I dare," Draco finally responds, his voice strong. Rage fills Voldemort's face before his eyes fall upon yours and Draco's intertwined hands. His eyes meet yours, recognition adding to the rage.
"I see. You stay behind because of your love for the other Potter."
Draco says nothing, but his silence is still confirmation.
"You turn your back on us for a Potter," Voldemort sneers. "Well, no matter, you'll die along side her, as lovers do." He turns back to the rest of you, waiting for someone else to step forward.
No.
Your heart stops as Neville limps forward, still clutching the sorting hat. You feel the shock and betrayal ripple across Hogwarts. Draco pulls you to him, wrapping his arm around you as he feels your grief mount.
"Well, I must say, I hoped for better," Voldemort smiles. The Death Eaters laugh again, Bellatrix's sounding above them all, per usual. "And who might you be, young man?"
