The Right Choice

Chapter Twelve

Draco rose from his bed, it was time. He dressed and quietly sneaked from his dormitory, so as not to wake anyone. He took the familiar walk to the Room of Requirement, which opened for him almost immediately. He was panting now, but he did not dare stop for fear that he would turn back. The vanishing cabinet that he had been repairing all year loomed over him. This was it, he braced himself. He reminded himself that he could lose his mother and Hermione permanently if this was not done.

The Vanishing Cabinet opened and out walked a handful of Death Eaters. He silently led them into the hallways. It wasn't long before they were engaged in a battle with students and various aurors who were guarding the school, including Hermione. Draco saw his opportunity and pushed her into a corner.

"Stay here and out of danger, for the love of Merlin please don't move. I'm sorry." he quickly blurted out. Then he took her face in his hands and kissed her as he never had before. He tried to put everything he felt into it. He briefly considered obliviating her to make her forget him and their time together, but he was hanging on to a shred of hope that she could one day forgive him and move past this. If they survived, he would go to hell and back to redeem himself. He looked into her eyes one last time and left her alone.

He hurried on to search for his target. He rushed up the stairs to the astronomy tower and heard Dumbledore's voice. He took a deep breath and charged onward. He reached the top of the steps and realized he had Dumbledore alone.

Dumbledore turned around to face him. "Good evening, Draco. What brings you up here?"

Draco fumbled with his wand. "I think we both know the answer to that." he tried to growl.

"Draco, you are no assassin. I see in you what Miss Granger sees as well. You don't have to do this. I can protect you, your family and Miss Granger most effectively."

"I have to do this. He'll kill them, he'll kill me."

"Then I shall make it easy." Dumbledore said, raising his wand. Draco disarmed him in an instant and kept his wand trained on the man in front of him.

There were noises from the staircase. "Ah, you have others. How, Draco?" Dumbledore asked. Draco suspected the old wizard was trying to keep him talking, and that was okay with him for now.

"The Vanishing Cabinet in the Room of Requirement. I've been mending it all year."

"Yes, and it has a twin I presume"

"They form a passage from Borgin and Burkes."

"Ingenious! Draco, years ago I knew a boy who made all the wrong choices. Please let me help you."

"I have to do this! I have to kill you!" Draco yelled his frustration.

At that moment, Bellatrix entered with an array of Death Eaters.

"Well, well," she said, "look what we have here!"

"Good evening Bellatrix. I think introductions are in order, don't you?" Dumbledore asked.

"Love to Albus, but I'm afraid we're on a bit of a tight schedule. Do it!" she said, turning to her nephew.

Fenrir Greyback spoke. "He doesn't have the stuff. Just like his father! Let me take care of this." He began to advance on Dumbledore.

"No!" Bellatrix yelled, "the Dark Lord was clear the boy is to do it! Go on Draco! NOW!" she screamed as loudly as she could.

Draco was in tears now, his wand still aimed at his headmaster.

A very familiar voice sounded.

"No." Snape said.

He looked Dumbledore in the eyes. Dumbledore stared back and finally spoke.

"Severus...please."

Without a moment's hesitation, Snape aimed his wand. "Avada Kedavra."

And with that, the man who was Draco's last hope was blasted off the edge. Snape grabbed Draco by the shoulder and steered him down the steps. In the corridor, Draco made eye contact with Hermione. She immediately went from worry to shock as she saw him in the company of Death Eaters. She stumbled backwards as the impact of what he was doing hit her.

It doesn't matter what she thinks of me. She's safe, she can want me dead for all I care! Draco thought to himself.

He tore his eyes from her and marched away, not daring to look back for fear of going back to her. He didn't realize she was following him until she screamed his name. He was already on the grounds, making his escape. He was just about to walk out the gates.

"Draco!" she shrieked from the great wooden doors of the castle. He turned around for a moment. His heart shattered when he saw the look on her face. She hated him, she would never forgive him. He had lied.

But she's safe. Find her when this is all over, explain yourself then. he reminded himself. He had to keep telling himself that, it was all that prevented him from running back to her. He was looking at her for the last time, he knew it. He made himself continue on. He would not risk her life.

He turned his head back briefly, just one more time, without breaking his stride. She had collapsed on the stairs with her head in her hands, shaking from her sobs. A single tear ran down his face as he finally made it out of the school grounds and apparated home.