Summary- For every decision you make, there is a parallel universe, in which another you simultaneously makes the opposite choice. This story explores a sphere created when Voldemort reconsiders a mission; this story explores a sphere in which the objective of Draco Malfoy's sixth year at Hogwarts is the murder of one Hermione Granger.
"Do not cry, boy," sneered Voldemort, "such displays are weakness. This is a lesson which I assumed you had been taught at home. Apparently, however, Lucius was as ineffective a father as he was a wizard."
Murmurs of concurrence passed around the circle as the Death Eaters reflected on the shameful demise of Lucius Malfoy, and their Lord taught Draco not to pout with the Cruciatus curse.
No one was more disgusted by the memory of Lucius than Draco, who flinched at his very mention. The man had been bested by teenagers and was paying for it in Azkaban. All the nobility and power that the Malfoy name once held in the wizarding world had been dragged into obscurity by the bastard.
And so, Draco had taken the Dark Mark; he was hellbent on redemption.
"Your assignment, if you chose to accept, is to kill Albus Dumbledore. Should you not chose to accept, you will die. Do not fear; you won't be disposed of immediately! You will stay alive long enough to be put under the Imperius. You will be able to see your mother's face as you rip out her hair, and hear her screams as you slowly end her life."
Draco's senses were heightened. With each word he heard, he began to sweat more. Dumbledore was a powerful wizard and would not be an easy kill.
But he would do it for his name.
They would not take Narcissa.
"Of course, my Lord."
The Death Eaters stirred.
"I do not feel approbation among you. If you have objections, speak."
The hooded figures held their breath, not seeking Voldemort's wrath.
"I can feel it," he hissed.
He shifted two red, beady eyes around his circle. He looked into the eyes of each servant.
"Severus?" he said, intrigued.
The Potions master took a deep breath.
"I do not think it wise, master. Draco is one of the most valuable assets in the next generation of followers. Many of us, older and more experienced than Mr. Malfoy, have failed. A duel between the two would certainly mean the death of the boy. If this is punishment for what Lucius did, by all means, kill him. But if you don't intend on wasting his life, use him against someone less powerful, but equally precious to Harry Potter."
Severus tried to interpret the look on Voldemort's face. He was almost positive that if the creature had eyebrows, one would be raised.
"He's just trying to save his precious Dumbledore. He wavers, my Lord!"
"You will not speak out of turn again Bellatrix! Do you understand?"
She bowed, abashed, like a dejected dog.
"I do not like to be questioned, Severus, but you raise a good point. Did you have anyone in mind?"
Snape examined his options. He understood the weight of his words; this decision would have a ripple effect and change the fate of the wizarding world.
"Let us reflect on the shortcomings of the past. Take a look at every failed attempt to kill Harry Potter. Who does this boy value above most others at Hogwarts? Who helped unlock the mystery of the Sorcerer's Stone? Who told Potter about the basilisk? Whose time turner saved the life of Sirius Black? Who persuaded Potter to form his army of students and assisted in the capture of Lucius Malfoy in the Department of Mysteries?"
Behind every great man lies a great woman.
"How did we miss this before?" snarled the eldest Crabbe.
The room fell silent as Voldemort prepared to speak.
"Draco Malfoy. You are hereby responsible for the murder of Hermione Granger."