Draco's Companion

A/N-- Okay, we're winding down there's only four more chapters left. I, personally, am excited that this story is ending. It even seems as though some of my readers are tiring of this story. There is one more bout of great smut, but it's not in the next chapter but the one after that. I want everyone to know that I am starting a new story, It's Draco/Hermione, and crazy, lots of angst. Luckily, I made a chapter outline for that one, so it's not going to be crazy and super long. Well here is this chapter, enjoy!

Chapter Fourty: Tough Decisions

Harry's day was going much too slowly. It was when he got to Defense Against the Dark Arts that he remembered he wanted to ask Dumbledore about Umbridge. 'Tonight' He though, 'Tonight I'll get more answers.'

Harry and Draco barely spoke all day, and everytime Granger seen Draco she looked sad. Finally, In Charms, he snapped at her and told her to stop looking at him. She oblidged.

They went to dinner and realized that Dumbledore was eating with the rest of the school today. They waited for him to finish before getting up and leaving the Great Hall seperately. As soon as they entered his office Draco attacked.

"What happened to your hand? How is it killing you? Why does Granger keep looking at me like that? And WHY did you hire a Death Eater at our school?"

Dumbledore was smiling at Draco the entire time, until he got to the last one. "A Death Eater, Mr.Malfoy?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Who?"

"Professor Umbridge, Sir."

Dumbledore looked shocked.

"What are you talking about?"

"We think she has the Dark Mark." Hermione said timidly.

"What gave you that idea?" Dumbledore questioned.

"Just a suspicion Sir." Draco said calmly.

Dumbledore nodded.

"Would it hurt to check?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore gave him a sharp look.

"It would break the trust we have established." He said sharply.

They dropped it.

"Now Mr. Malfoy" He said on a higher note, "I think you had asked me what happened to my hand?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"It happened when I came in possesion of Marvolo Gaunts ring. I was tempted to put it on. Don't ask me by what, Because even I don't know. I put it on and I was hurt badly. Professor Snape tried to save me-"

"-Tried?" Interrupted Draco.

"He reprimanded me. I knew I was being foolish. I only realized a little bit too late."

Harry found this speech very odd. Too past tense.

"Anyway, Professor Snape managed to trap the curse into my hand." He held up his burnt and dead looking hand, "For the time being."

"Time being?" Harry repeated incredulously.

"Yes Harry. Unfortunately, the curse will spread and I will die." He told them unflinchingly. "I have until approximately the end of the school year." I will help your search for the Ravenclaws Diadem. I believe it is in this school somewhere. Now Draco, i have a very important question for you.

Draco raised his blond eyebrows in question.

"How much are you willing to risk for Harry?"

Dracos eyebrows rose even higher, and his mouth opened in question. He answered in a second. "Everything, Sir."

Harrys heart swelled as Ron and hermione gave him shocked looks.

"Wow." Hermione squeaked out, her eyes tearing up.

"What would I need to do Sir?"

Ron gaped at Draco.

"I want you to return to Voldemort."

"What?!?" Draco shouted.

"Hear me out." Dumbledore said.

"You said your father taught you occlumency?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Excellent."

Harrys heart deflated. He knew what was coming.

"I want you to turn spy."

Draco stood in indecision, he cast a nervous glance at Harry. "It's okay, you don't-" Harry started.

Dracos face filled quickly with emotion before he blurted, "I'll do it!"

Their professor looked pleased. Hermione was full out crying now.

"What exactly do I have to do?"

"Well, I want you to go back to Voldemort and pretend that you no longer like Harry. You need to be believable, use Occlumency to hide your true thoughts. When Voldemort asks you what you can do to prove yourself, tell him that you'll kill me."

"Sir-" Draco started, absolutely appalled.

"Please Draco, this is the only way."

Draco took a deep breath, weighing his options. "Yes, Sir." he said in a defeated way.

Dumbledore smiled again.

"Perfect."

Hermione let out a howl.

"*What* is wrong with you?" Draco shouted at her over her loud outburst.

"You guys are just so adorable" she wailed as Ron moved closer to give her an awkward pat on the shoulder.

Draco rolled his eyes.