I heard the gun go off, and time seemed to move in slow motion. Hermione screamed. I watched Draco's hand raise to his abdomen, come away covered in the blood beginning to seep through his shirt. The men turned and fled as he fell to his knees. I dropped to his side just in time to catch him as he fell and cradled him in my arms, moving his hand aside to the look at the wound. My heart wrenched at the sight of the scarlet stain growing in the white fabric.

"Harry..." His voice was weak, strained as he fought off the pain.

"Shh," I whispered, kissing his forehead. "It's alright, love. You're gonna be fine." My hand slipped into my pocket as I fumbled for my cell phone. No signal. I clenched my teeth as my hand tightened in a deadly grip on the useless bit of muggle technology I held. In a fit of rage, I threw it down the alley, hearing the fierce slash as it landed in a puddle.

I felt Ron's hand on my shoulder. "Calm down, mate. We'll go for help." I nodded vaguely, not really registering his words. My eyes didn't leave Draco as Ron and Hermione ran down the alley and around the corner.

"Hold on, Dray. They'll be back soon."

"Harry...it doesn't matter..."

"What do you mean 'it doesn't matter'?"

"It's over."

"No! don't talk like that! You're not...you can't leave me like this!" He said nothing, only closed his eyes tighter, clenching his teeth in pain. Where were Ron and Hermione? They were taking far too long. "Help!" I shouted, praying someone--anyone--might hear. "Someone please help me!" But no one came. I waited and called out again. My voice echoing off the silent walls was all I received in answer. I looked, defeated and hopeless, back down to Draco.

"My hands are cold," he whispered. I threaded my fingers through his and lifted the back of his hand to my lips.

"Hold on, love," I rasped, my throat suddenly dry. "Please...you have to hold on."

"I love you...so much."

"Don't...Draco, please..." Tears were running freely down my face now. Draco lifted a hand to wipe them away. "Please don't leave me."

"I'll always be with you. Always." His voice was getting softer--fading, along with his warmth. "You are...my everything..."

I kissed him, knowing in my heart that it would be for the last time. I could sense Ron and Hermione's eyes on me. They had come back alone. Draco's breathing hitched and then slowed, and I held him closer. He looked up into my eyes, and I saw reflected in their silver depths thousands of memories. Memories of the years we'd spent together, of the things we'd done...and cruel reminders of what we would never share because fate was stealing it away from us--because death was coming far too soon.

"I love you," I whispered. He smiled slightly, and I watched as his beautiful eyes fluttered closed. And I held him in my arms as he took his last breath.