When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 84: No Turning Back

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 84: No Turning Back

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

June, 1997

During the meal, he kept his eyes and overall focus away from the Gryffindor table. He knew what he told her was for the best, but it was a struggle not to apologise to her every time he saw her. To try to get their friendship back to the way it was. To fix a mistake that he could fix. Lily wouldn't forgive him even if she were alive, Hermione would.

But every time he almost made a move to do so, his common sense kicked in and stopped him. It seemed as if she were avoiding him as much as he was avoiding her, so the few seconds of hesitation on his part was enough time for her to leave his presence.

He studied the food on his plate, his stomach turning at the thought of eating another bite. He dropped his fork on the plate. He bid his professors goodbye and stood. He glanced at Dumbledore's empty seat.

The wizard hadn't been present at Hogwarts in the past few weeks. The only message he'd received was an owl a day ago, requesting his presence at the last day of term. Three days from now.

It would be happening soon. He could feel it.

Dumbledore was probably either going to confirm their plan or request something else.

He walked out of the great hall and walked down the corridors, when he got to a particularly shaded spot, he paused. He'd been followed. He straightened, knowing who was at his back. And it was not Hermione. She had a sharp fruity and floral scent that followed her everywhere, one he still couldn't fully figure out. This person had no scent, just rough footsteps that failed at stealth. He looked over his shoulder.

"Draco."

"I warn you," the boy dared to say with an arrogance that far outrivaled Potters. It made him sick. "I will earn his favor back and you would lose all you've taken from my father." Draco walked closer, as if he could match his height and imposing presence.

But he was a dark wall, built stone by stone from dealing with far more menacing things than a blond haired Malfoy.

"This isn't a game, don't be an idiot," he said, his voice a quite threat. He had to admit that it hurt to see such repulsion in his eyes.

"That's right, it isn't. I didn't need you there. He wouldn't have killed me." He recognized something off in Draco's voice. This was... this was an act. He was scared.

"I only wished to protect you, Draco. If I didn't want to do that, I wouldn't have taken that vow."

Draco let his body relax and he dropped his head. "There's no way out now, is there?" he said softly.

"No, there isn't." He had to make the boy believe he was still going to be the one to kill Dumbledore. He had to have no other option than to confront the old wizard.

They didn't have time to come up with another plan anymore.

He watched as Draco turned and walked slowly down the hallway, the weight of his foolishness bearing down on his shoulders.

That made him even more determined that he wouldn't let the boy stain his soul anymore than it already was. There was good still there. He could still be redeemed.

"Professor?"

A painful jolt shot through him upon hearing her voice. Why'd she always show up at moments like this?

"Go away, Granger," he said. That seemed to be his most repeated statement as of late.

"But—"

"Don't try to spy on Malfoy again and stay safe. The day is coming very soon."

"I wasn't—"

When he felt a slight touch on his back, he forced himself forward and fought every urge to look back at her.

AN: Small chapter but with things moving to the point of no return. Hope you liked it and let me know what you think. See you on Saturday.