Title: Draco's Decision
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Draco Malfoy, Albus Dumbledore
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 534
Summary: Draco shows his true colors.
Notes:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: History of Magic - Write about bravery.
356 Days of Drabbles Challenge: Prompt Used – Knockturn Alley
Draco thinks about Knockturn Alley as he walks up the stairs to Dumbledore's office. He hates going to that alley, knowing the kind of unsavory figures that like to shop there. His father associates with many of them after all. He had to go there, though. He needed to find something, something that would prove his loyalty, whether it was information or an item. At least he got what he went there for.
Draco knocks and after he hears, "Enter," he opens the door and steps inside.
"Mr. Malfoy. What can I do for you?"
Like always, it surprises Draco that Dumbledore always seems to know when he's on the other side of the door, and momentarily, Draco wonders if the other students always feel like that as well. He takes a deep breath and mentally prepares himself to do something so foolhardy that he'd be surprised if he didn't sprout red hair and begin wearing Gryffindor colors. "I have some information for you."
Dumbledore furrows his brow, and Draco thinks he's surprised. "Information?"
Draco nods. "And I'll give it to you, but I want protection from my father and the Dark Lord."
"You're prepared to turn against your family?"
Draco nods. "I don't want to follow them, but if I simply try to leave, I'll be killed. That's why I need protection."
"I will make sure you're protected," Dumbledore vows.
"There's going to be an attack on the train when the students go home for the holidays. All of the kids of the Dark Lord followers are being told to stay at the school for this year, so it will be primarily blood traitors, muggle-borns, and half-bloods that are vulnerable."
"How did you find out about it? Did your father tell you?"
"He was probably planning to, but he hasn't yet. I found out at Knockturn Alley. I thought now would be early enough, and you would be able to plan for it and find a way to protect the students."
"You know, this is quite brave of you."
"Or quite stupid," Draco counters, thinking about what will happen if his father finds out about this betrayal.
Dumbledore smiles, his eyes twinkling. "There's usually a fine line between bravery and stupidity. If anyone can walk it without falling, it's you."
"What's going to happen to me?"
"You'll stay here for the holidays like you father is planning for anyways. When school lets out, I'll give you a Portkey that will take you to a secure location, one protected by the Fidelius Charm. No one will no of its location but me."
Draco nods, unable to believe he actually went through with it.
"If you need any help during the year, my door is always open."
"And in return, you want me to come if I find out any anymore information, right?"
"I'd appreciate it, yes, but it's not required. I think you've done enough."
Draco nods, bows his head slightly, and quickly leaves.
He's still thinking about the act of bravery as he enters the Slytherin common room before he dons the mask he needs to wear to protect the truth from the snakes. It's going to be a long year of deceit.