Disclaimer: I do not own HP.

"Edward, I don't think this is a good idea," Hermione said as she followed her childhood friend into a club. "If my parents were to find out-"

"Hush, 'Mione. Its teen's night, they won't be selling alcohol or anything like that. Just loosen up and have some fun."

"I have homework to do before school starts back."

"It's the beginning of summer vacation. Whatever work your teachers gave you can wait a few more days."

Hermione sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue. Edward was just as stubborn as Harry when he had his mind made up about something. It was the only thing that hadn't changed about him during the years she had been going to Hogwarts.

Where he had once been shy and quiet, now he was outgoing, loud, and a bit arrogant. He had switched his nice simple clothes for baggy black pants, dark t-shirts, chains, and combat boots. She knew now that had he been a wizard, he would've been sorted into Slytherin. If they hadn't been best friends as children, she doubted she would be here with him now.

At the sight of so many teens that she didn't know inside the club, Hermione grabbed the back of Edward's shirt and held on tightly. He glanced back at her, smirking slightly. "Scared?"

She stood up straight, barely reaching his shoulders, trying to appear brave, but still didn't let go of his shirt.

"Of course not. I just don't want to get separated," she said, voice as calm as she could make it. It trembled slightly, though, and he laughed.

"Don't worry," he said, "I'll protect you." He put an arm around her waist and pulled her up beside him. "With me by your side, no one would even think of hurting you."

She smiled at him and felt herself relax. Even if he had changed, he was still Edward. As children he'd always stood up for her, always protected her. Why would now be any different? Besides, she was a witch. What was there to be afraid of?

Ignoring the other teens surrounding them, he led her onto the dance floor. At first, Hermione protested, her face turning red. After a few minutes, though, she began to dance with him, loosening up.

They didn't leave the club until after midnight. For the first time in her life, Hermione would have to sneak back into her house.

Edward kept his arm around her waist as they left the club. Hermione, exhausted from endless dancing, had to lean into him for support. They turned a corner and stopped suddenly, seeing two masked figures in black robes blocking the sidewalk. Hermione went for her wand, but the two Death Eaters already had theirs out and pointed at them. In unison, the Death Eaters said, "Stupefy!" and everything went black.

HPHPHPHP

Draco woke in a sweat, goose bumps covering his arms. He stayed in bed for a few minutes, forcing the dream to the back of his mind like it was a bad memory.

When he finally threw the covers off and climbed out of bed, he went to his closet. He pulled on the clothes he had set out the night before, leaving his hair dangling in his face, then went downstairs to the dinning room where his mother sat at the table, eating. As soon as he sat in his seat, a plate of his favorite breakfast foods appeared in front of him.

"Father busy again today?" he asked before taking a bite.

Narcissa looked up at him, as if just realizing he was there. "He was called in for a meeting first thing this morning. He didn't say when he'll return."

They ate in comfortable silence. Narcissa finished first and stood up to leave. She looked back at him, though, and said, "Bella will be coming over around noon. She's hoping that she can speak with you while Lucius is away."

Draco paled and he could feel a headache coming on just from the thought of having to listen to his aunt once again try to convince him to become a Death Eater. Though he wouldn't admit it even to himself, Narcissa and Draco knew that Lucius regretted his choice to serve Voldemort. Draco's parents didn't want him making the same mistake and always had an excuse for him not to join.

Not that Draco minded. He didn't want to devote his life to someone who would only see him as a tool. And he really didn't want to be at anyone's beck and call, even if that person was one of the strongest wizards that ever lived. With a sigh, he said, "Alright, I'll be ready." She nodded in satisfaction and left the room.

No longer hungry, he pushed his plate away and took a sip of milk. When he stood up, the dishes disappeared. He went back to his room and pulled on his shoes and brushed his hair back. Then he picked up a book he had started reading the night before and made himself comfortable.

HPHPHPHP

A few hours later, a bell rang throughout the manor, announcing Bella's appearance on the property. Draco sat his book down and went down to the parlor, where his mother was waiting. Moments later, Bella was shown into the room by a house elf.

Bella's black hair was wild and her eyes flashed as she looked around the room. When she stepped further in, the room seemed to become increasingly smaller to Draco.

"Cissy, you didn't come for dinner last night like we had planned."

Narcissa stood up from her seat to greet her. "I'm sorry, but something came up. I sent a note-"

"A note isn't the same as you coming. We were supposed to discuss Draco's future."

The two women sat next to each other on the sofa while Draco stood in front of the fireplace, ignored.

"There's nothing to discuss. Lucius and I have decided to wait until he comes of age, then he can decide for himself. We've told you this."

Bella became impatient. "Why? You both know he'll choose to join our Lord. Why put it off?"

"We don't want him to feel like we forced him into it. Joining the Dark Lord should be his own choice. If even the tiniest bit of him believes he was forced into it, he won't be as loyal."

"He'll be loyal. If he were my son-"

"He's not your son. He's mine." She turned to Draco. "You'd rather wait before making any important decisions, wouldn't you, Draco?"

"Of course, Mother. I never make hasty decisions, and this one is too serious to just answer right away." He looked at Bella. "We both know what my future holds. I don't see any reason to rush into it, though. I still have another year at Hogwarts and everyone expects me to be there. Not showing would arouse suspicion. Waiting is the best choice."

Bella went and knelt at his feet, looking up at him pleadingly. "Draco, stop resisting. The Dark Lord can give you anything, everything you want. You're young, you have so many drams, and he can make them all come true. All it takes is a single ceremony, an oath of loyalty, and you can have the whole world in your hands."

Draco glanced at his mother, seeing the fear on her face that he would give into temptation. He looked back down at Bella and shook his head. "No, I already told you my choice. I'll wait to decide for certain after I leave Hogwarts."

"But Draco-"

"You heard him, Bellatrix," Lucius's voice came from the doorway. "Wait a yea more, then he'll tell us his choice. Until then, I'll have no more mention of him becoming a Death Eater."

Bella stood up, angry. "How can you do this, Lucius? Our Lord has done nothing but try to create a better world for us. Why won't you pay him back?"

"Leave, Bella. We won't talk about this anymore."

Bella stormed out of the Manor. Lucius turned to stare at Draco and Narcissa. "We'll find a way. We always have."

I'm glad I rewrote this story. It's much better than the first time. I hope you enjoyed it. I'll try to get the next chapter up soon. Review!