The One Who Could've Been

War Is Coming

The Second Wizarding War was coming, they said. On the brink of inflicting utter panic within all residents at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore ensured us all that we were safe.
The fear in Draco's eyes was yet to leave. Even with Dumbledores guarantee in mind, Draco wouldn't settle. His father looked furious which just inflicted more pain to return to Draco's face. I wish he would let me protect him like he would do for me.
The night that of Draco and his fathers fight was the first time he had ever opened up to me at such a deep level. The fact that he even cared enough to tell me that my life could be in danger scared me.
I told myself before that I was to push my feelings for Draco aside and remain friends with him. It didn't look like that was to be the case after the way he held me that night.
Once the assembly had concluded, Dumbledore sent us all on our ways back to our dormitories. Cedric and Anna parted ways with a brief sweet kiss as I sent a friendly smile towards Draco. He did not return my oh so very friendly favor.
Something else was eating away at him. We were all scared, Draco on the other hand looked terrified.
It's not to say that Draco is a selfless man. I'd like to think his instinct of self perseveration kicks in before his brain can tell him to save another life. With that being said, Draco put me and Anna first. He seemed to really care about the both of us. Although I couldn't figure out why, I wasn't going to waste my time trying anymore. He cares about me and I care about him. Simple as that.

Back in Professor Snapes potions class, Draco waltzed in bright and early which was abnormal to say the least.
"Well you seem to be in a good mood today. Someone compliment your hair again?" I tease
"Actually darling, my hair is the last thing I've got on my mind today," he says cheerily.
"That's a first."
Draco surrounds his fingers around my shoulders shaking me back and forth a bit.
"Don't be such a Debby downer love, it's a good day."
Laughing at his seemingly crazy mood, I proceed with my duties to the class. As much as I wanted to just accept that he was happy for once, I couldn't help but worry about why.

Anna had messaged me to meet her in the bathroom and insisted that I do so diligently. Slipping away from the class, I strut through the empty halls before entering the bathroom in which no girl should wish to enter.
"What are we doing in the Moaning Myrtle bathroom?"
"I needed to talk to you... in private."
"Well I'm here- what is it Anna?"
After much hesitation, she pulls her sleeve up revealing the mark of a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth.
"It can't be..."
"The dark mark. It appeared all of a sudden. Nicole what do I do?"
"Just hide it for now, no one can see it until we figure out what it means."
"We know what it means-"
I interrupt her abruptly. "No. That can't be."
"I'm scared... what if Draco was right."
"He's never right about anything, just cover it up for now. I'll figure out what to do later."
Pushing the doors of the bathroom wide open I storm out. This can't be happening. I have to tell Draco. But what if this is why he was happy? I don't wanna ruin his mood.
What if he got the mark just like Anna...
I decided to look into the true meaning of the Dark Mark and what it would mean for Anna in the event that the Second Wizarding War were to occur. Greeted by unfamiliar faces, I made my way to the end of the library in which I found a book regarding the First Wizarding War. My interest in said war was already raising suspicion as none of the professors were teaching it at the time. I figured it would be best to complete my reading in a less populated area. With that in mind, I took the book and made my way back to the common room.
There he was. His elevated demeanor put him at an easy viewing.
"Malfoy."
"Nicole, I've been looking for you."
"You have? Why?" I ask.
"Has Anna showed you yet?"
"Showed me what?" How does he know?
Then I saw her. Anna had went to Draco about her mark before she even went to me. They were both keeping secrets from me.
I didn't blame her for going to him. I wanted to tell him too, I was just afraid.
He said the mark appeared on those loyal to Voldemort. For years, wizards all around Hogwarts wouldn't even speak his name for they were afraid it would summon the Death Eaters. Out of pure superstition, I avoided saying his name.
"If the mark only appeared on those loyal to Him, why do you guys have it?"
Draco signs and says, "my father said it is my duty to serve Him, to be rid of any stains on the family line."
"The stain being me," Anna said shamefully.
My best friend was no stain on the bloodline.
"My mother told me once that Bellatrix took a muggle for a lover. She said the two fell madly in love. Countered with Bella's own shame and insecurities, she wished to have her muggle-born child removed. My mother wouldn't let her," Draco explains.
No real mother would ever think about harming a child. Let alone their own infant. Bella was no mother to Anna, never has been, never will be.
"Wait so what does this mean?"
"If the Death Eaters do come and commence the Second Wizarding War, Anna and I will be recruits to fight against anyone who resists His changes."

My best friend and my crush were suddenly on the opposite side of a brewing war.