Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. If I did than Dramione would have happened, and Ron would have died instead of Fred.

"So go ahead and cry; go ahead and think you were right."

~Trading Yesterday~

Decisions

It was the final battle and everyone – each side – was at a stand still as Hagrid carried the seemingly dead body of one Harry Potter. The sight of the boy-who-lived's lifeless body was disheartening to the Order, but they refused to give up. Yet, even with that resolve in most of their minds, no one made a move. It was dead silent – you could have heard a pin drop, as the cliché goes.

Lucius Malfoy broke the silence, trying to convince his only child – his flesh and blood – to rejoin the side of the Dark Lord. Now that Harry was gone everyone could see the confusion and worry that flashed across his features – the blonde not even trying to hide it. He had lost so much already, what harm would it be to lower his shield? His mask was cracked – he couldn't have hid his emotions if he had wanted to.

The eyes of Hermione Granger remained fixed on his form in a slight panic. She didn't want Draco to go back with his parents. She wanted to stay with him; had always wanted to stay with him. From their very first year at Hogwarts together up to this very moment she had wanted no one but Draco Malfoy. And, surprisingly, he had wanted her too. Their love was never spoken of however, never acted upon in public displays. The only public displays they kept up were their ferocious arguments. It was wearing down on her and now she worried that it might push him over the edge.

The brunette witch held her breath in anticipation of his answer, hoping beyond hope that he would choose to stay on the side of good; to stay with her. Hermione's heart dropped as she watched him slowly move towards his parents. 'No! I won't let this happen; they can't have him again!' And with that thought she grabbed onto his wrist as he passed her and pulled him down for a kiss – in front of everyone. She didn't care anymore, let them talk; she just wanted to be with the man she loved.

"Please," Hermione pleaded softly, tears streaming down her face as she looked up at the blonde, "don't do this Draco. I love you."

Another silence ensued, this one full of shock and outrage of a different kind. Each side waited, wondering if maybe he would change his answer. One side hoping he did and the other hoping he wouldn't. But in the end…

"Hermione, I… love you too. I'll stay with you."