Life without danger is a waste of oxygen

"Malfoy, I will not pretend like the trip did not happen. I want some answers and I want them now!" said Hermione. They had all been back a week now, but so far, Draco had managed to avoid her and not a word had exchanged between them.

"Father's on the Board of Governors. I should have known he'd know about the trip and where to find me."

"Answers, Draco!" prompted Hermione angrily.

"What's the point? You've all made your minds up about me, not that I care what they think."

"Well what do you care about? Because it seems to me that you care about no one but yourself."

"You. I care about you, you know I do," he sighed.

"Then give me some answers because I can't go on like this. I can't just pretend that everything's okay when it isn't."

"Fine," he gave in, "ask away."

"Swear you'll tell the truth. Promise me."

"I promise you that for the rest of this conversation no untruth will leave my mouth, Malfoy honour."

"Are you a Death Eater?" she asked. Draco pulled both his sleeves back to show her his unmarked arms. "Answer me verbally," she demanded.

"No, I'm not a Death Eater."

"Have you, have you ever killed anyone?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes," he replied calmly.

Hermione stood up, suddenly feeling sick. "I think I know all I wanted to know."

"I don't think so, you wanted this conversation so we're having it. Ask me the next question."

"No!"

"Damn it, Hermione! Why do you have to make this more difficult? Ask the bloody question!"

"Who? Who have you killed?" she yelled back at him.

"Didn't get most of their names," he replied, staring at her intently.

"Why, Draco? Why?"

"You're still calling me Draco." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Just answer the question!" she snapped.

"Mostly because I had to. They want me to be a Death Eater. They take me out to their gatherings and I have to join in."

"Who's they?"

"Where do I begin? My father for a start, the Dark Lord and all his minions."

"You could have refused."

"Has anyone ever put you under the cruiatious curse? After our fourth year, it all changed. Voldemort came back. I've been cursed more times than I can remember. I've been tortured, beaten and cursed all to make me stronger. I was going to be their greatest asset."

"Was?"

"They can torture my body but they'll never have what's up here." He pointed to his temple. "I'm not stupid and I know why they want me. I'm strong and I'm a Malfoy, it's seen as my duty to follow him."

"I don't believe you could do this, Draco. You're good and..."

"I'm anything but good! I don't even remember a time when I was good. Do you remember a couple months ago when you thought I needed a hug?"

"Of course," said Hermione, nodding.

"Severus worked for the Order."

"What? How do you know about the Order?" she asked in surprise.

"He worked as a spy. He looked out for me when I started going to the meetings. He was there after I was tortured. He would give me potions to numb the pain."

"Draco, I can't imagine anything worse..."

"That's just it, you're so naïve." He looked away briefly and ran his fingers roughly through his hair. "Take my word for it, there are a million and one punishments worse than death. When you're dead, that's it. No more pain, it's all over, nothing matters. Someone betrayed Snape to Voldemort."

"What?"

"Snape's punishment was to be put under the cruciatus curse and left to die."

"No!" Hermione shook her head disbelievingly. She had never liked the surly potions teacher but she had always respected him, and knew that no one deserved that.

"So I killed him," continued Draco.

"What?" Hermione was suddenly snapped back to reality.

"I couldn't save him, Hermione, I couldn't. There was nothing I could do. I need you to believe me. There was nothing I could do for him. I need you to believe that. I'll do anything, I just can't have you hate me."

Hermione stared into his eyes and saw the small, scared boy trapped inside the man's body. "I could never hate you," she replied honestly. "Come on," she took his hand and began pulling him towards the portrait entrance.

"Where are we going?"

"To see Professor Dumbledore."

"No!"

"It's okay. Draco, people deserve to know the truth about Snape, I'll stay with you."

"I don't care about people," he protested.

"But I do, so do it for me, please? If what really happened with Professor Snape was what you've told me then it will be okay. I need you to trust me on this."

Reluctantly, Draco began to follow Hermione out of their common room.

**********

"Professor Dumbledore, this is extremely important. Draco has information about Professor Snape," began Hermione.

Dumbledore motioned for the two to sit down. "What is it, Draco?" he asked, the twinkle leaving his eyes as his face became serious.

"He's dead," said Draco simply. Hermione reached out and took Draco's hand in her own, intertwining her fingers through his.

"What do you mean? Who told you this?"

"I was there," said Draco.

"I think you'd better start from the beginning." Draco looked over at Hermione and she nodded softly at him to continue.

Draco told Dumbledore of how he had been expected to join the Dark side and how Snape had looked out for him. Then he launched into the night it happened, Hermione's hand not leaving his for a moment.

"Come boy. Stand up straight, you're slouching."

"Yes, Father."

The two Malfoys apparated to Godric's Hollow. Arriving, they saw Voldemort with all the other Death Eaters.

"Severus!" called Voldemort in a cold voice.

Snape stepped forward and bowed low. "Yes, Master."

"Crucio!"

Snape's screams were so loud it was all Draco could do to bite his tongue to prevent himself calling out to help his professor.

"I wonder what would be the cause of his death if we left him under this curse forever," Voldemort thought out loud. "This filth has been lying to us all. He has been working against us, telling our plans to Dumbledore and his clan." He spat out the last words.

"Crucio!" shouted Lucius, his wand pointed at Snape. "Perhaps his pain should be doubled."

"Good, Lucius. Now we have a bet. How long will it take him to die?"

"A few seconds," said Draco from where he stood. "Avada Kedavra!" There was a deafening silence as Snapes's screams stopped and his body collapsed, lifelessly.

The Death Eaters all turned to face Draco.

"So?" he looked at all the faces staring at him in disbelief of his utter insubordination to the Dark Lord. "What do I win for betting correctly?" He forced out a smile before his own face became contorted with pain.

"But I don't understand. Who would have betrayed him?" asked Dumbledore, more to himself than the other two.

"Perhaps Voldemort just knew," said Hermione. "Harry says he's a skilled Legilimens."

"Impossible," said Draco. "Severus was a more skilled Occlumens."

"That's true," agreed Dumbledore. "Draco, why didn't Severus tell me how involved you were? I could have helped, protected you from experiencing what no child should ever experience."

"Because I am not a child, that's why. I asked him not to tell you."

"Very well. And Severus' body?"

"At Malfoy Manor, left to rot in the dungeons."

"He has something on his person. Something very important."

"I can bring the body here," offered Draco.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. The house is empty. My Father has gone abroad and will not be returning till next week."

"Very well. And Draco, Severus always spoke very highly of you. You were more than just a pupil to him. You did the right thing, however terrible it was. Do not ever doubt that. Perhaps the two of you should go back to your rooms and get some rest."

"Who are you going to tell?" asked Draco.

"Harry, Ron and Professor McGonagall for now."

"What?"

"They're three very competent members of the Order. Hermione, perhaps you had better explain a few things. Oh, and one other thing, Draco."

"Yes?" he replied.

"How did you leave Hogwarts without me knowing so?"

"I flew."

"Right," nodded Dumbledore thoughtfully. "You may go now."

**********

Harry and Ron arrived at Dumbledore's office after receiving an urgent note, wondering what had happened. They entered to find McGonagall there and Dumbledore looking very grave indeed.

"Harry, Ron, Minerva," Dumbedore greeted them, "I have some very distressing news. Please sit down. I'm afraid that Severus Snape is dead."

"No!" shouted Minerva, jumping to her feet. "There must be some mistake. Albus, tell me it's not true!"

"I'm afraid it is," he said in a sad voice. "He was killed while working for the Order."

Minerva broke into uncontrollable sobs while Harry and Ron looked on in shock. They had never seen their Head of house act in anything other than a dignified manner before.

"What happened, Professor?" asked Harry, eventually.

"Voldemort somehow found out that Severus was a spy."

"He was betrayed?" asked Ron.

"Yes," replied Dumbledore. "Though I have yet to find out by whom."

"Where is he? Where is his body?" asked Minerva through the sobs.

"At Malfoy Manor. Draco himself has told me."

"And you believed him?" demanded Ron. "How the hell would he know?"

"I think I had better tell you of all I know," sighed Dumbledore, knowing what he was about to say would be very difficult to hear. "Draco and Hermione came to see me just before I called you here. Draco has been, unknowingly to me, attending Death Eater gatherings..."

"I knew it! I knew he was a Death Eater!" interrupted Ron, his voice full of fury.

"Mr. Weasley, this is a very serious matter and I would appreciate it if you would allow me to finish. At the last meeting, Voldemort told the Death Eaters that Severus was in fact a spy."

"And so they killed him," said Harry, quietly.

"Not quite," continued Dumbledore, knowing they deserved to know the truth surrounding his death. "They found a punishment worse. They put him under the cruciatus curse to be left for dead." Minerva gasped loudly. "It's okay, Minerva. Draco used the killing curse almost immediately. He killed him to save him."

"He did what?" shouted Ron. "He's a murderer!"

"No," corrected Dumbledore. "Draco showed great bravery in directly defying Voldemort's orders. What I can't understand is why he was not killed for doing so. Draco is lucky to be alive."

"What happens now, Professor?" asked Harry.

"Draco is going home to return Snape's body to Hogwarts. We may have a small memorial for him, but on no account is anybody to know what has become of him. Severus is assumed missing, and unfortunately, that is how it is to stay. If it gets out, Draco's life will be in grave danger for betraying Voldemort to us. May I suggest, Harry and Ron, that if you wish to help, you go along and offer Draco your assistance. If not, there is nothing more you can do on the matter."

Harry and Ron, reluctantly got up to make there way to the Heads' dorms.

"Minerva," continued Dumbledore after Harry and Ron had left, "I can only say how sorry I am. But in war..."

"...in war there are great casualties but it is the reasons we fight that keep us going, for evil prevails when good men do nothing," said Minerva, finishing Dumbledore's sentence. "Headmaster, I have heard you say that many times, and it has never been comforting, least of all now." She got up and walked out, not wanting to hear what else he had to say on the matter.

**********

"Fill me in on what now?" asked Draco, when he and Hermione were finally back in the common room.

"The prophecy," she said.

"Which is what? That Potter the Boy-Who-Lived is the chosen one and he will save the world?" asked Draco sarcastically.

"Close. The prophecy said that a boy would live to fight Voldemort, who would be his equal. To put it basically, they have to fight and one must die."

"And this 'boy' just happened to be Potter did it?" Draco rolled his eyes.

"Actually, no. Both Harry and Neville fitted the description. It was only Harry because Voldemort tried to kill him when he was one."

"Longbottom? I don't understand, why is this the first time I'm being told of this prophecy?"

"I don't know," answered Hermione.

"So, what's the plan?"

"Harry, Ron and I have been preparing for battle. It's Harry's fight, but we're going with him."

"I want to help," said Draco.

"You want to help with Harry's mission?" she asked, trying not to sound shocked by the gesture.

"Fuck no! I want to help you. You don't have a clue of what goes on, none of you do. Hermione, I don't want anything to happen to you, let me help."

"You can start by returning Snape's body. It's obviously important to Dumbledore."

"Would you like to come?" he asked her.

"Really?"

"It's perfectly safe, I swear to you. It will just be house elves and my mother there but they won't see us."

"I'd like to come. Besides, you never know when I might come in handy. I've helped Harry and Ron countless times because I study so much."

"Hermione?" came Harry's voice from outside the portrait. Hermione opened the portrait to allow Harry and Ron to enter.

"Dumbledore's just told us everything," began Ron, giving Draco a cold stare.

"Are you okay, Hermione?" asked Harry.

"Yes," she replied. "Actually, I'm going to go with Draco to get Professor Snape."

"No way!" shouted Ron. "It's a trick. You're not going anywhere!"

"Ron, don't be so childish," said Hermione. "I trust Draco and so does Professor Dumbledore."

"I said no, Hermione," said Ron, stubbornly.

"Well," began Draco, "unfortunately for you, Hermione's a big girl and doesn't need your permission to do anything, Weasley." A slight smirk could be seen on the corner of Draco's lips.

"When are you going?" asked Harry.

"As soon as possible," responded Draco.

"Well," continued Harry. "I think we should all go. Either that or you go alone."

"I don't think so," chuckled Draco, amused of the thought that Harry should think he wants him in his house.

"Fine, we'll all see you when you get back."

"Fine," said Draco. He looked over at Hermione's pleading eyes, and then over at Harry and Ron, then back to Hermione again. He really wanted Hermione to come, and if there really was no other way. "You can come, but I must warn you, it's not going to be an easy job. We have to get over there, then get in unseen and there is no magic in the dungeons."

"No magic?" repeated Hermione.

"You can't even Lumos down there. It simply won't work."

"Well, we wont be down there for that long will we?" asked Ron.

"The dungeons of Malfoy Manor are larger than the Manor itself. It's a network of mazes with no shortcuts. We'll be away a few days minimum, and that's with no complications. Right, we need to be prepared. Each of you will need a long black hooded cloak and normal muggle clothes, nothing that draws attention to yourself. We should probably take our own food too."

"How exactly are we getting there?" asked Hermione sensibly.

"We can Floo from Diagon Alley to Malfoy Village and from there on foot. I have a small boat hidden away that we can use to cross the moat. Once across, we have to do a bit of climbing."

"Climbing?" repeated Ron.

"Yes. The only completely safe way into the Manor is this way. We climb up the wall and into my room. The security is most lapse there and the house elves never come into my room unless specifically ordered to."

"Ordered? Draco I think that you should know that..." began Hermione.

"Oh, please don't start with the whole spew thing again," interrupted Ron.

"Anyway, as I was saying," continued Draco, "you will all wait in my room after that while I go and find the map of the dungeons. Then I'll come back and we'll all go. You will all have to do exactly as I say because there are many protection measures all over the grounds."

"Like what?" asked Hermione.

"Well there are muggle and magical things in place. The magical ones are easy to get around. There's wards but I know the spells to take them down."

"What are the muggle methods?" asked Hermione, curious as to why a muggle hating family might have these in place.

"There's one really good one," said Draco, a smile coming to his face. "If Father has anyone he doesn't want on the grounds, he simply yells 'release the hounds' and..." Draco started to laugh. "...And out come the hounds. You think you've seen someone run fast, and then you see them running from dogs..." Draco could not finish his sentence because he was laughing too hard. Hermione, Harry and Ron looked on in disgust.

"How do we get from your room to the dungeons?" asked Harry to change the subject.

"Trap door in the kitchens," said Draco when he stopped laughing at the memory. "Go and get your things and meet me back here in fifteen minutes. We'll leave then."

**********

"I will be expecting you back within five days. If I do not hear from you in this time and you are not back I'm coming to get you. Be safe," said Dumbledore.

Draco scattered Floo Powder into Dumbledore's fire and stepped in. "Diagon Alley," he said clearly.

He stepped out of the fire place at the other end and was soon followed by Harry, Hermione and Ron.

"What now?" asked Ron.

"Now we go shopping to pass the time, we shouldn't leave until it's dark. We need to split up into pairs so that we don't draw attention to ourselves. I'll go with Hermione."

"I don't think so, Malfoy!" said Ron. "She's my girlfriend. I'll go with Hermione and you'll go with Harry.

"Thanks, Ron," said Harry, sarcastically.

"You really are as stupid as you look," said Draco. "Do you not think people will notice if a Malfoy is walking round with Scarhead here?"

"I've got a better idea," said Hermione. "Why don't we go to muggle London? No one will know us there."

"Okay," said Draco. "I need to go and change some money at Gringotts first. I'll meet you back here."

Draco soon came back and the four went through the wall into muggle London.

"I've never been here before," said Draco.

"Me neither," said Ron.

"I went once with the Dursley's, but they wouldn't let me see anything," added Harry.

"Well aren't you a sad lot?" Hermione smiled. "Looks like I'm in charge then. What do you want to see?"

"What is there?" asked Draco.

"Everything. Book shops, amusement arcades, coffee shops, restaurants, clothes, the list is endless."

"What's an amusement arcade?" asked Ron.

"Follow me." Hermione led the three to Chocadero.

Harry had heard of places like these, but for Ron and Draco it was all completely new. Their mouths opened in awe at the hundreds of things before them.

Draco, having no concept of the value of money, handed two fifty pound notes each to Harry, Hermione and Ron.

"Draco, most people wouldn't take more than a tenth of this out with them," Hermione pointed out.

"Well, I'm not most people, am I?" he replied.

Hermione calmly explained to them how to change their money into coins and how the different machines worked. As she explained to Ron for the third time how the two pence machines worked, she looked over to catch Draco swishing his wand and a lot of money falling through his machine.

"Draco Malfoy, you cheat!" she scolded him.

Draco put on his most innocent expression before grinning evilly and scooping up his winnings.

"Honestly, I don't know how you live with yourself. If you'd won that honestly you'd feel a lot better."

"I doubt it," he replied. "Winning is winning."

"Okay, well let's play on a game where you won't be able to cheat. Can you dance?"

"Can I dance?" he said scornfully. "What kind of a question is that? I've only been having dance lessons since I could walk."

Hermione grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the dance machines.

"It's really easy," she explained. "You just follow the direction of the arrow with your feet and whoever has the most points at the end for doing it in time wins."

Draco found himself moving clumsily for the first time. Hermione, it seemed, was a pro.

"Okay, is it my imagination or did you just beat me?" he asked.

"I didn't just beat you, I whipped your ass!"

"You whipped my what?"

"Come on," she laughed. "Let's find Harry and Ron."

They found the pair on motorcycles racing each other on the screen. By the time Hermione managed to pull them away, it was dark outside, and finally time to move on to what they had set off to do.

**********

"Are you ready?" asked Draco. The four had put on their black cloaks and made their way over to a small wizarding pub from which they would have to Floo to another pub in Malfoy Village. "Now this is not a nice place. We step out of the fire and make our way straight to the main entrance and leave. Don't talk to anybody and don't push anybody on your way out. Ron, you'll go first, then Harry, then Hermione and finally myself."

"What? Why do I have to go first?" asked Ron.

"Well we can't send Golden Boy in first can we? You're more dispensable."

"Thanks," replied Ron, sarcastically.

"Oh and another thing, this place is full of Squibs and Hags and they don't like magic. Bearing in mind most of them will be drunk, if they try and pick a fight, use your fists. Don't pull out your wands. Ron, off you go."

Ron took a deep breath and then stepped into the fire place. "The Porcupine," he said. After a few minutes, Draco nudged Harry to tell him it was his turn.

"Are you ready?" he asked Hermione after Harry had gone.

"I guess so," she said.

"I'll be right behind you. I won't let anything happen to you. Just keep moving, whatever happens and don't look back."

She nodded and then pecked him on the cheek before stepping into the fire. Draco's hand rose to touch his face where Hermione's lips had been before following on.

He scanned the room as soon as he stepped out of the fire place. Harry and Ron were no where to be seen, which meant that they had made it out alright. He saw Hermione was almost at the door when a man stepped in her way, blocking her path.

Draco made his way over quickly and shoulder barged a man into the one blocking Hermione. Seeing an exit, she rushed out and didn't look back.

It didn't take long for Draco to catch up with Hermione.

"Hey," he said, reaching out to touch her shoulder. Hermione turned around and in one fluid movement, landed him a punch in the jaw.

"Ow! Fuck!" he exclaimed, loudly. "What the hell was that for?"

"Oh, Draco, sorry," she said. "I thought you were one of them."

"Well next time check. I happen to bruise very easily."