Draco tried to pretend that this was all a figment of his imagination - Granger writhing in pain on the floor in his own home, his aunt using the cruciatus curse on her repeatedly, fearful of spilling her dirty blood upon the wood - but Hermione's scream shattered the illusion, chilling him to the bone.

He had never wanted it to turn out like this. He never wanted to experience the war firsthand again - not since that night on the astronomy tower. But his father's direct involvement in the plans of the Dark Lord had lead him to another front row seat to torture, and quite possibly, death.

He continued to avert his gaze from Granger, afraid to see her body finally give out on her. He knew one thing for certain, however; her mind never would.

Throughout his entire time knowing her, she had the strongest mind out of anyone he ever encountered. Not only in intelligence - although, she was as smart as Merlin himself - but in stubbornness. If anyone could out do him in that category, it was Granger. She never gave up, no matter how hard the task. Even now, being tortured relentlessly, she continued to refuse Bellatrix the answer she asked for. Granger kept her mouth shut, omitting the screams, and didn't tell Bellatrix one drop of information.

Hell, the girl had guts. Guts that he never had, and was currently wishing for.

He had to admire her for that.

Draco heard another loud cackle from his Aunt, snapping his attention back to the matter at hand.

"One last chance, Mudblood," Bellatrix growled, twirling her wand in her hand as she stalked her injured prey.

"Never." Hermione's voice rang out clearly, despite the torture she had endured.

"Have it your way, then. Avada -"

At that moment, Hermione's eyes connected with Draco's. Her large, golden brown orbs stared into his soul. Not with hatred, as was expected, but with something he never saw in his parent's eyes - belief.

"Expelliarmus!" Draco shouted, wand pointed at his aunt. Her wand flew from her hand and clattered to the floor across the room.

There was a collective gasp from his mother, father, and aunt.

"Draco, how dare you!" Bellatrix snarled, stepping towards him.

"Don't move. Don't fucking move." He demanded, wand pointed at Bellatrix. His mind was reeling as Granger stared at him from the floor, wide-eyed and hopeful.

"Draco, darling. What are you doing?" His mother asked calmly, hand balled up into a fist - whether from stress or anger, Draco could not tell.

The question puzzled him.

What was he doing? This was Granger. Granger, the girl he spent his entire Hogwarts career torturing for the lack of purity in her blood. He spent every waking moment attempting to think of new ways to make fun of her; be it by calling her mudblood, hexing her with her back turned, or just being flat out cruel about her appearance.

"Draco," Hermione called out, looking directly at him.

He shook himself internally and took long strides to stand in front of Granger.

"What the hell are you doing, son?" His father called out, pulling out his wand.

"Doing what's right." I think. He corrected in his mind.

"You think you can simply turn your back on your family? For a mudblood? I will not be dishonored in such a way!" Lucius snarled, pulling out his wand and pointing it directly at Draco.

A burst of red light shot from Draco's wand as he stupefied his Aunt, who was reaching for her wand. She tumbled to the floor, inches from the object of her attention.

A string of curses were shot at Draco as he turned back to his father, and he swiftly reflected them with silent protection charms.

"Hermione, grab Bellatrix's wand and head outside. Go. Now!" He called out, dueling his mother and father.

Hermione stumbled to her feet, grabbed the wand, but instead of leaving the house, pointed the unfamiliar wand at his parents and began assisting him in the duel.

Draco snarled in frustration and glared at Hermione, annoyed that she didn't do as he said.

'Did I honestly admire her goddamn stubbornness a few moments ago?' He asked himself.

But as he looked back over, he saw how she was trembling from the remnants of the curses she endured. Despite all the pain she encountered, she still stood up - even if she was slightly hunched over in pain - and fought.

A curse was shot directly at Draco's head and he swore under his breath as he jumped out of the way. He needed to focus if he was going to get out of his own home alive.

"Stupefy!" Hermione shouted, causing Draco's father to topple over, paralyzed.

Draco's eyes widened in shock, giving his mother the opportunity to send a curse that hit him square in the chest.

His head exploded with pain as his skin ruptured, bringing him to his knees. He felt the warmth of his blood begin to cover his entire chest, his shirt in tatters.

He completely forgot about the duel, Hermione, and his surroundings.

He only thought about his own death.

A/N: Hope that was long enough for you. The next chapter will be over Hermione's thoughts, so be prepared. :)

Comments/reviews appreciated!

-Lexie