HAPPY NEW YEARS! Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed typing it. The battle may also be 'my way' since I didn't watch the last movie or read the last book. (I cry everytime I see Fred and the word 'die')

"They're here?" Hermione asked, speeding up her pace a little as they climbed the stairs. "Draco, I didn't see anything." She added, her voice was really starting to annoy him. They stopped in front of the potrait that led into Dumbledore's office.

"I reckon you know the password, Granger." He crossed his arms, a shiver running up his spine as he waited on her to spit it out.

"Sugar Plum." Hermione said clearly, the portrait opening, revealing a case of spiraling steps. She smiled back at him before walking up the stairs, the blonde haired boy right behind her. She glanced at the open door, almost as if the man had been waiting on them.

"Ah, come in Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy." He said cheerfully, inviting the two in.

The two students looked around the old man's office before settling their eyes on him. His long white beard was braided tightly, making it appear somewhat shorter than it usually was.

The man looked at Draco, already knowing what the boy wanted before he could say anything. "Mr. Malfoy, I know why you are here." He said coolly, looking down at him.

"How?" Draco asked quietly. His grey eyes were filled with nothing but fear as he looked up at the man. How did he know they were here? He couldn't have.

"Draco," The man sighed before looking out the window. "It was only a matter of time and if you watched closely, you could've seen the animals acting strangely the day they arrived." He looked back at the two students.

Draco's gaze dropped to the floor, millions of things running through his head at once. "What am I supposed to do?" He croaked silently, not wanting them to hear.

"Fight for the side you trust." Dumbledore strolled over to the young man, placing a pale hand on his back. "Either them or us."

Hermione watched the two men carefully, not wanting to say a thing. She felt Dumbledore eyes on her as she glanced out the window at the figures slowly moving towards the school.

"Ms. Granger, don't worry about that," He walked away from Draco and over to his desk. "Everything will be under control soon." He took a seat in his chair as he watched the two students.

"What do you mean everything will be under control soon?" Draco yelled. "It won't be. Once they break through that force field, they will take over this place."

The old man's expression didn't change as he stared at Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, trust me." He replied, ignoring the man's tone in his voice. "Now, you two go and prepare yourselves. The teachers are getting everyone else up and ready." He said as a way for them to leave.

Hermione nodded and started on her way out the room. She glanced back at the blonde, noticing him not attempting to move. She glanced his arm, dragging him out with her.

"Don't touch me, Granger." He said, coldly, snatching his arm out of her grip. He looked down at her, taking in a slight breath. He would have to protect him from their grasps or she could be killed on the spot, something he would blame on himself later in life.

The girl didn't say a thing as she let her arm fall back to her side. Her eyes watched her feet as she walked, deep in thought about this 'war'.Why would Draco fight with a side that was pure evil? He was better than that, despite his family name. She quickly came out of the thoughts as her gaze flickered up to Draco, catching him looking at her.

The young man looked away quickly, noticing they were nearing the stairs that led to the Gryffindor area. He slowed his pace, grabbing her hand in his. He grinned as she turned to face him, trying to tug her hand free. His lips meet hers quickly, pulling away just as soon. "Be safe, Hermione." He said, quietly, leaving the girl there stunned.

Weeeeee! Thanks for reading this chapter and I'm sorry for it's shortness. I tried going back adding in more details in things but it threw me off and I didn't want to get in too much of the battle. Please Review! That's the only thing that's really keeping me going and helping me in improve. Also, I'm looking for a Beta so message me if you want to be it.