The Right Choice

Chapter Eleven

Draco stared at the letter from the Dark Lord himself. It had just arrived by owl in the common room.

See your task through, or your mudblood will pay the price.

That was all it read. Draco knew it was from him, neither of his parents' handwriting matched. And who else would be so plain in their meaning and wouldn't leave a signature?

He crunched the letter up. He would still write to his parents and lie about his intentions, but it wouldn't matter now. She would still be used as leverage. The Dark Lord would enjoy killing her off, she was nothing to him.

He considered breaking things off, but it wouldn't make a difference. He would be miserable and she would still be in danger just by previous association. No, he couldn't lose her. She was the only thing keeping him from throwing himself off the highest tower at Hogwarts.

He would complete his mission, if only to keep her safe. Her and his mother, they were all that mattered now. No harm would come to the only people he cared for and who cared for him. She would just have to understand one day. She could turn her back on him, but it wouldn't matter because she would be safe. For now, Draco would simply enjoy his time with her. It looked to be all he had left. He threw the letter into the fire and walked to the Great Hall in search of her. They were publicly known as a couple now, and Draco was slightly relieved. They didn't have to hide to find time together anymore.

He turned a corner and there she was, joyous as can be and oblivious to the fact that her life was now in danger.

"Draco, I was just coming to find you." She said, bouncing up to him. He took her in his arms and kissed her like it would be the last time. When they separated, she looked quizzical.

"What's going on?" she asked.

Draco smiled down at her. She was always looking for answers.

"Sometimes I just think about how just last year you would have never looked my way." he lied.

"Well, we've changed Draco." she grinned cheekily.

"I know, I was just such a little prat. How did you stand me?"

"I'd just put it out of my mind and walked away. It gets easy after a while."

Draco smiled sadly, thinking back on all he had put her through. These days, he hexed anyone who dared to talk to her that way.

"What is it?" she asked, concerned.

"I'm just sorry. Looking back, I hate myself for the things I used to say." He said, looking downcast.

"I know you are Draco. I wouldn't be here if you weren't"

And with that, she took his hand and they walked into the sunshine outside. She had no idea what was looming over her head.

Weeks passed and the day was nearing, Draco grew more and more tense. The only time he was remotely calm was when he had Hermione near. Something about her helped him keep what little sanity he had left.

It was evening, and they were in the room of requirement. They still came here sometimes when they didn't want the dirty looks or snide remarks.

They were doing their homework in silence, occasionally Draco snuck a kiss from her when the thought crossed his mind.

He was in a perpetual state of terror. She was blissfully ignorant to the fact that she had a sword hanging over her head, and Draco held the scissors that would cut the thread. One life would be sacrificed for another. That was his choice. Although he would rather it would be his own, so that perhaps she would have a better chance of surviving this war, it couldn't be so.

Finally he could focus no more and simply watched her, how she focused on her studies. So determined to succeed, she had the brightest of futures ahead of her.

The more he thought about all of that and how close he was to losing her, the it louder it resonated in his head. Finally, the words spewed from his mouth seemingly of their own accord.

"I love you, Hermione." he told her before he could stop himself.

There was silence for a minute. Then she looked up from her books.

"Really?" she asked.

He smiled even bigger, her curiosity was something he adored.

"I love you, too." she said with a laugh and kissed him. She leaned over and kissed him deeply, him wrapping his arms around her and sighing.
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Draco and Hermione were in the courtyard together. A few months ago, people would still be regarding them with disgust. But now things had settled down, Draco was actually welcome around Hermione's friends. They joined the couple in an area under a tree that was providing shade. Harry gave Hermione a look. Tonight was an important night for him regarding the downfall of Voldemort. Hermione nodded back.

"Oi, ferret. Alright there?" Ron asked, striding up. He was still a bit tense with Draco.

"I'm alright. And yourself, Weasel?" Draco retorted. The boys had their playful banter, but they kept it peaceful for Hermione's sake.

"How are your exams, Ginny?" Hermione asked to change the subject.

"A right nightmare." said Ginny, who looked very flustered after a day of her O.W.L.s.

"It will be over before you know it." Harry told her, running a hand down her back.

"Says someone who has already suffered through them." Ginny snapped back.

Harry was silent after that. He knew Ginny was only stressed at the time, and an argument with her wouldn't do with what he had planned for the night.

"It will all be worth it in the end. What are you going to do with your life anyway?" Draco dared to ask. But Ginny was the most accepting of him in their little group.

"You'll laugh." Ginny said shyly.

"No one will, we promise." said Hermione from her spot in Draco's arms.

"I want to play for the Holyhead Harpies."

Of course, Gwenog Jones was Ginny's idol. She was also the captain of the team. It was the only all girls team in the league.

"That's a legitimate choice, I've seen you play." Draco piped up.

It was silent for a moment, no one could believe Draco had actually complimented a Weasley.

"Thank you." Ginny said with a curious look on her face.

From there, the subject went on to Quidditch. Hermione couldn't keep up, so she pulled out a book and began to read. Draco noticed this and smiled to himself. When all else failed, she had her nose in a book.

He kissed her forehead and she smiled contently. He knew this would likely be the last time they ever shared a happy moment like this, and so he relished in it. For tonight he would shatter her view of him and break her heart, all in an effort to keep her safe.