Devil's Snare
Choices
Title: Devil's Snare
Rating: R
Word Count: 341
018: Choices
Paring: Harry/Draco
Summary: Harry is told to bring Draco to the light side of the war at any cost. Post-HBP, D/s, dubious consent, Post-Hogwarts, war!fic.
Disclaimer: Unoriginal characters and situations belong to JKRowling. No copyright infringement is intended.
Table of Contents found at http://www.livejournal.com/users/mahoganyhandle/9713.html
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Malfoy stood at a crossroads. It was clear to Harry now. He constantly was being pulled in two different directions and trying to yield to both. This wouldn't hold up – it couldn't. At some point the opportunist must make a stand, for better of for worse. Now was Malfoy's time.
Fenrir Greyback, the despicable werewolf who'd embraced the savage beast in himself, had come to collect Malfoy at Voldemort's behest. Malfoy went with him peaceably, leaving Harry to await his return… and worry. Malfoy had been right. Harry hadn't considered what Malfoy might need out of their Partnership. But now, with Voldemort looming over Malfoy's head, how could he not? If Harry expected Malfoy to give and give of himself when asked, Harry had to offer him some security in return. Somehow, Harry also had to convince Moody of that fact as well.
Hours passed achingly slow as Harry waited for Malfoy in the study. Nothing calmed his frazzled nerves. Bethany, ever astute, brought him tea frequently, though Harry drank little. She offered him an assurance once, but the kind words didn't soothe him or still his restless pacing.
When Malfoy finally did return, he seemed no worse for the wear, though he immediately took to drinking again. Harry took the alcohol away and urged him to sit on the couch. Malfoy stared at him through his fringe.
"How did it go?"
"Same as always," Malfoy replied.
"What does that mean?"
"You've faced him before."
"I'm his enemy."
"Not the sort to make friends, is he?" Malfoy stretched along the couch. "I'm a big boy, Potter. I don't need anyone to take care of me."
"Yes, you do," Harry softly replied. "Let me do that. I'll make certain you don't regret it."
"Oh? Interesting. You've got my attention."
"I'm serious, you know. I'll protect you from everything."
"From yourself as well, then? How will you manage that?"
"Don't – just… don't. It's up to you to make the right choices, Malfoy."
"And you are the right choice?"
"I am the right choice."