Battle Thoughts:

Filius Flitwick burst into my office; there was commotion somewhere beyond my door.

"Severus!" he exclaimed, clearly in a panic. "Death Eaters! Inside the castle!"

Poor Filius, I couldn't let him back into the fray. He was an accomplished wizard, oh yes, but I had to protect him somehow and play my part well. I silently cast the Stupefy jinx on him and he hit his head on the desk. I instantly regretted that decision but it was done.

I fled my office, heading for the astronomy tower and I spotted Lovegood and Granger outside the door.

"Professor Flitwick has passed out." I said to them in my usual careless voice. "Tend to him." This was an order and would keep them safe a moment longer.

I ran up through the castle, following the noise of battle. I didn't stop to take sides, simply headed up the stairs where I saw Remus Lupin staggering against the shield the Death Eaters had put up on the stairwell. I easily overcame the spell, wearing a Dark Mark allowed for certain privlages. I sprinted up to the astronomy tower where I paused, hearing Dumbledore, Draco, Fenrir and Carrow.

I knew it was time. The moment Dumbledore had called me upon. To kill him.

We had fought ceaselessly about this long before term even resumed. Dumbledore knew the Dark Lord had his suspicions about my worthiness. This would be proof I was his devoted servant; and I would spare poor Draco from the terrible fate of committing murder or dying himself.

Dumbledore said this act of love would be his dying request. Silly old fool - How could I kill the only man who truly trust me? Who forgave me. Who showed me love and courage… How could I stand before him and utter that horrible curse as though life meant nothing?

Because I had promised. Because I owed him. Because it is part of the plan. Because I would do anything for Albus Dumbledore.

Masking my emotions - a talent I was so good at I needn't try - I stepped forth into the night of the Astronomy Tower.

The saw the scene just how I had pictured it; Draco, scared and desperate, Dumbledore weak and pleading - but not pleading for life, pleading for me to keep my promise - to end his life like I said I would.

Meaningless chatter meant nothing now. I steeled all emotion, all traces of affection for Dumbledore I locked away in my jar of regrets next to Lily Evans. I stared stonily at Dumbledore, he could see I was hesitating.

"Severus… please."

I saw into his mind easily, he opened it ever so for me, so I could hear clearly the echo of a conversation long passed.

"When the time comes Severus, you will be the one to kill me."

"Dumbledore, I -"

"Please Severus."

The words echoed within me, my strength was mustered into masking my sorrow and regret. I thought with all my might, projecting to Dumbledore what I hoped he could see and feel.

"I'm sorry." I thought, "Forgive me."

Dumbledore's nod was so imperceptible I wasn't sure I had seen it at all.

"Avada Kedavra." the curse flew to its target.

A serene calm came over the wizened old man as the curse forced his fragile but strong body over the edge, tumbling down to the grass below. I did my best to slow down his fall, thinking it was the least I could do.

My task however was not done.

"Come Draco."

I would lead these Death Eaters away from this school, away from these innocent children. Then I would work to take down the Dark Lord from within.

I heard Potter's screams behind me; I couldn't look at him. Not now. I couldn't look into Lily's eyes and see the hurt and the betrayal. It was part of the plan. Harry must be safe, and I can help as long as the Dark Lord trusts me. This was the only way; Dumbledore saw to that.

I will save you Harry Potter. You are Lily's son ~ And I will always protect you.