AN: I've had this idea since I started my FanFiction account, and now that I've just watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 for the umpteenth time, I've decided that now is as good a time as ever to write it. This is my account of what happened that night on the Astronomy Tower - from Draco's point of view. (He's very out-of-character because these are his thoughts – and since none of us technically know how Draco thinks, you can't judge me! HA!)
Disclaimer: Everything you recognize is JK's, clearly.
The Astronomy Tower
"Come over to the right side, Draco… you are not a killer…"
I stare at the old man in front of me. He doesn't beg for his life, like I expected him to. That would make this so much easier. But no, he simply begs for me to join the "right side". How does he know what's right?
"But I got this far, didn't I?" I say slowly. I don't need their protection. I'm a Slytherin; I can smooth talk and maneuver myself out of almost any situation. Being skilled at Occlumency and Legilimency has helped, too, I suppose… He wasn't too thrilled about that… My bones still ache from the Crucio he gave me once he realized he couldn't get into my head… "They thought I'd die in the attempt," –and I almost did– "but I'm here… and you're in my power… I'm the one with the wand… You're at my mercy…"
"No, Draco," Dumbledore says quietly. "It is my mercy, and not yours, that matters now."
I can't speak. What the bloody hell does that mean? I have his wand! What can he do?
He can protect you, you foul git, a voice in my head whispers. Funnily enough, it sounds like Snape. I mentally shake myself; Dumbledore can protect me? How's he supposed to do that? He couldn't even stop me from bringing the Death Eaters into the castle!
Did it ever occur to you that he knew what you were up to? the Snape-like voice questions. Why, yes, Godfather, as a matter of fact, it did, but that doesn't change the fact that he allowed it to happen. If he's ignorant enough to let Death Eaters into a castle full of children, I don't want his protection!
Oh, but you do… Okay, that voice sounds eerily like my own. Do I want this man's protection? Do I want to be protected from the sadistic, psychopathic killer who will murder me and my entire family if I don't kill the old man in front of me?
Of course I do. He's kept Potter and his idiot friends safe for years. Why wouldn't he be able to protect me?
Why would he want to?
He sees the good in you, Draco.
Oh, hello, Snape-voice. Glad you're back.
Lower your wand, you idiot boy! They're coming! Let Dumbledore help you!
Lower my wand? And let Dumbledore help me?
I stare at the old man. A bead of sweat threatens to slide down my temple. My mouth opens a fraction of an inch as I prepare to agree to the old man's proposition. I need him.
My arm trembles, but I begin to lower it.
Then I hear the footsteps.
