Just One Tear

It was a calm night. Not a soul was in the street. It seemed peaceful. Yet...with one person, there was no peace within him.

A lone figure sat at a desk, writing a letter, while his girlfriend slept peacefully three feet away.

My Darling Angel,

As I look back on our years together, I smile. But when I try to imagine our future, I realize that I can't give you the life you need-

-One more kiss could be the best thing

But one more lie could be the worst

And all these thoughts are never resting

And you're not something I deserve-

It breaks my heart to tell you this, but-

-In my head there's only you now

This world falls on me

In this world there's real and make believe

And this seems real to me-

I'm not who you think I am-

-You love me but you don't know who I am

I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand

And you love me but you don't know who I am

So let me go

Let me go-

These past few years, I have lived a lie. I want you to know something. It was for your sake that I kept it a secret. I was faced with a choice...either to loose your love and trust, or to live my life knowing I caused your death.

-I dream ahead to what I hope for

And I turn my back on loving you

How can this love be a good thing?

When I know what I'm going through-

You see...I'm a Death Eater. I have been since before we were together-

-In my head there's only you

This world falls on me

In this world there's real and make believe

And this seems real to me-

I'm sure you are pissed off at me, and you have every right to be. It's time I tell you why I made the choice I did-

-You love me but you don't know who I am

I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand

You love me but you don't know who I am

So let me go

Just let me go...

Let me go-

I became a Death Eater, in our sixth year. Voldemort sent me to kidnap you, but I couldn't. I had secretly fallen in love with you. I fed a fellow Death Eater a polyjuice potion that had your hair in it. After Voldemort killed "you", I tried to bury the body before it changed back. But he found out. I was able to get out of it and he lost interest in you...for that moment.

Then in seventh year, I had the courage to ask you out. I realized that our relationship couldn't be school-wide known. If Voldemort found out, you and I would've been killed. That's why I'd wanted it to be a secret.

Two years ago, I tried to renounce my title. It was then that I was faced with a choice. Either stay a Death Eater... or renounce my title and be responsible for your death-

-And no matter how hard I try

I can't escape these things inside I know

I know...

When all the pieces fall apart

You will be the only one who knows

Who knows...-

~*~

The figure paused and looked at a picture. It was of him and his girlfriend. He smiled sadly, as he remembered that day.

-Flashback-1 year ago

"Remind me again...why do I have to do this?" the 18-year old asked his girlfriend.

She smiled at him. "Because...," she started to say. "You love me...and if you don't come with me, I'll probably end up drunk and have a one-night fling with the Best Man...who happens to be Harry."

Her boyfriend stuck out his tongue. "Well...I'm glad Ginny picked you as her Maid-of-Honor. The dress adds to your beauty."

She smiled. "Thanks...but you're still not getting out of this," she said, pulling him towards the car.

"Why can't we Floo there?" he whined.

She got in the driver's seat. "Because...Ginny's getting married in a muggle church. Also, Floo-ing is too messy."

He mentally agreed with her and got into the car.

~-After the ceremony-~

The two were dancing, when the wedding photographer approached them. " How 'bout a picture?" she asked.

The couple nodded. The man put his arms around his girlfriend and smiled.

*flash*

"Here you go," the photographer said, handing them the picture.

"Thanks," said the man and handed the picture to his girlfriend.

She smiled. "This can go right on your desk, at home. I'll make a copy, so I can have one for work."

-End Flashback-

The figure took another look at the picture. There he was, with his arms around her...and there she was, smiling like there was no tomorrow. Not being able to take it anymore, he laid the picture face-down on the desk and returned to his letter.

~*~

I don't want you to cry, not a single tear. It will only make things worse. I love you, and I always will, but this is how it needs to be; Me, a Death Eater...and you living a happy life, not in fear, with someone else-

-You love me but you don't know who I am

I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand

And you love me but you don't know who I am

So let me go

Just let me go-

I will love you until the end of time.

My love,

D-

-And you love me but you don't

You love me but you don't

You love me but you don't know who I am

And you love me but you don't

You love me but you don't

You love me but you don't know me-

~*~

The figure put down his quill and folded the letter. He turned to look at the sleeping figure. It hurt him so much, to do this to her. 'Well...,' he began to think. 'She'll probably run to Potter or Weasley. It's for the best. I can't give her the life she wants.' He sighed and got up. After reaching for his cloak, he placed the letter on the table. 'Hmm...she should find this. It's right where I would've put her coffee.'

He leaned down and kissed her lips. "I'm sorry...but you just need to let me go," he whispered and, brushing away a strand of her hair. "I love you." He turned and walked towards the door, pausing as he heard her stir. "Goodbye," he said, whispering his final words.

And Draco Malfoy, as he walked out of Hermione Granger's life, allowed a tear to slide down his face...just one tear.