Annabelle's Point of View

I slowly climbed up the long and winding staircase, being careful to keep Snape in my view yet still be hidden from his. I was sure he was heading to a tower, but from all the secret passageways he took I couldn't figure out where we were. As I continued to climb the stairs, I suddenly remembered the last time I was climbing the towers' many staircases at night. It was with Cho and Draco as we headed to find our dates for the Yule Ball. I couldn't help but smile as I remembered how nervous we had all been. That had been such a simpler time than this. To think that I was nervous about who my date for the Yule Ball would be, when now I was stalking a Death-Eater spy who was up to who knows what.

A blast of cold air hit me as I reached the top step. I corrected my assumption that this was the place where I met my date last year, the North Tower. From the huge open balcony on the floor above me, I could now see we were in the Astronomy Tower. I quickly looked around to see where Snape went and unfortunately found that I lost him.

"Just perfect," I whispered sarcastically.

I was just about to give up and go back to my dormitory when I heard footsteps on the stairs. I quickly tiptoed across the little room and hid in the shadows.

I sighed in relief as I saw Draco's familiar pale body leap up the last step. I was just about to make my presence known when behind him a witch ascended the final step.

Although I had only seen her once, I would never forget that unruly black hair. Her cackle to Draco made my blood run cold as I remembered the Cruciatus Curse she had used on me last year. The witch gleefully skipped forward as another wizard shuffled into the room. The hairy scarred flesh of his skin immediately led me to his identity: Fenir Greyback.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I saw Draco quietly conversing with the werewolf. What was Draco doing with these awful people, these murderers, these ... Death Eaters?

Realization slapped me across the face. Draco was a Death Eater. Draco Malfoy, one of my best friends, was a Death Eater. Harry suspected he may be one at the start of the year, but I ignored him, thinking Draco would tell me if that was true. I mean, we were in the same House, we were on the same Quidditch team! I watched him change into his uniform for Merlin's sake! How did I miss the big Dark Mark, plastered onto his forearm? How did Hermione, his girlfriend for over a year now, miss that also?

My thoughts returned to the room as Bellatrix strolled around.

"Oh, how long it's been," Bellatrix said longily. "Since I've been here; since I've set something on fire..."

A little twisted smile crossed her face as she walked dangerously close to where I was hidden. I sucked in my stomach, hoping to disappear into the wall behind me.

"Draco, dear," Bellatrix called across the room. "Are you a bit... chilly?"

Draco paused in his conversation with Greyback and looked at Bellatrix curiously before answering. "Yes, it is quite- NO! NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! You are NOT setting this place on fire, Auntie Bella! This is my mission and I will not allow you to ruin it with your games!"

Bellatrix's shoulders slumped forward as she lowered her wand and rolled her eyes. "Fine, but if all goes well, expect to see flames."

"Alright, whatever," Draco said, waving his hand at Bellatrix. "But be quiet, I think I heard something."

I held my breath as I heard a great whooshing of air on the floor above us, followed by something landing softly on the floor above us.

"It's alright, Professor, I got you," Harry's muffled voice wafted through the floor boards above us. From the Death Eaters' calm expressions, I could tell that had not recognized Harry's voice and only knew that someone was definitely on the floor above us. I looked up at the ceiling and through a crack I could see my brother kneeling next to umbledore, who was lying on the ground.

My eyes widened in shock as I realized why the Death Eaters were here. Draco confidently walked over to the staircase attached to the upper level and began to climb the stairs; Bellatrix and Greyback followed closely at his heels.

As soon as they were out of sight I jumped from my hiding spot and started toward the staircase they had just used. My foot was on the bottom step when I felt a strong hand on my back.

I whirled around, wand at the ready, and faced the person. My face lit up in joy as I recognized the familiar face.

Snape slowly brought a finger to his lips, requesting my silence. He motioned for me to stay on this level as he began to ascend the staircase. As soon as he was out of my sight, I rushed to the far wall where I previously hid. I looked up through the crack and saw Draco, tears streaming down his face, standing in front of a hunched over Dumbledore.

"You don't understand!" Draco screamed. "I have to do this! I have to kill you! Or he'll kill me!"

"Do the spell, Draco!" Bellatrix whispered from her position behind Draco. "Do it now!"

"Stop," Snape said calmly as he strode into the room. I held my breath as the Death Eaters turned to watch him. Bellatrix broke out in a huge crooked grin as her eyes followed Snape's form that glided across the room.

"Severus," Dumbledore said, as if he was pleading. "Please."

I watched in shock as my godfather raised his black wand until it was level with Dumbledore. Snape was my professor, my mentor, my friend. I looked at him as I used to look at my father; I could trust him to help me in a time of need. Surely I wasn't about to see him murder the headmaster, right?

Harry's Point of View

I stood underneath the invisibility cloak, frozen in shock and from Dumbledore's spell.

I looked at Dumbledore's pleading form at the edge of the tower. I watched in terror as Snape raised his black wand until it was level with the Headmaster. Dumbledore was my professor, my mentor, my friend. I looked at him as I used to look at my father; I could trust him to help me in a time of need. Surely I wasn't about to see him be murdered by the Head of Slytherin, right?

Green light shot out of Snape's wand and Dumbledore toppled over the ledge. I heard a sickening thud as his body landed on the ground below.

My unfrozen body stumbled forward in surprise and grief, still hidden by the invisibility cloak. I watched Snape forcefully grab Draco, who was standing nearby, by the collar and drag him down the staircase. Bellatrix jumped up and down and giggled, and excitedy turned to Greyback.

"How about about a campfire, hmmm? And I know just what would be perfect kindling..."

Draco's Point of View

I hurried along behind Snape, looking around nervously.

"Professor," I called ahead. "What about the other students? I guarantee all those bloody gryffindors will see the Dark Mark and think it's there duty to fight."

"I'm sure they're all in bed by now," Snape replied as he rushed down another staircase. "And you can call me Severus. I just murdered the Headmaster for you. We're there; we've reached that point."

"Alright, Severus," I said with a nod. "But how will we know that the other students will stay in their Houses?" I said while looking down corridors and other staircases as we passed them. "How will I know Hermione is-"

I was cut off as I stepped on the back of Snape's cape and slammed forcefully into his back as he was stopped short. I jumped off the cloak and looked nervously into his eyes.

"Don't... Step... On... My... Cloak."

"Sorry!" I apologized. "It won't happen again!" Snape turned back around and continued on. I shivered once he was facing forward again, not wanting him to know how intimidated I actually was of him. We maybe be working together on this mission for Voldemort, but I still looked up to him and was constantly fighting for his approval.

"Draco," Snape called over his shoulder. "You know that Potter was underneath the invisibility cloak, correct? And that Annabelle was a floor below?"

"What?" I asked surprised. "They- they saw me- saw us?"

Snape nodded as he turned a corner and pushed aside a tapestry. He disappeared behind it and I followed suit. We silently descended the tiny hidden staircase for a minute or so.

"What does that mean, then?" I asked breaking the silence. "What will happen to us?"

"You," Snape started, "will definitely have to go into hiding. That means no communication with anyone that is not in Voldemort's inner circle. Chances are you will probably just stay at the Manor."

I slowed my pace as this information sunk in. "But how will I tell Hermione where I've been? With Dumbledore dead and me in hiding, she's going to assume I'm a Death Eater!"

"But Draco," Snape cut in. "You ARE a Death Eater..."

"Yeah, but not a REAL one. Not by MY choice."

"Yes, but it's better she doesn't know it's all an act," Snape said as we passed the Great Hall. "You know Potter will tell her he saw the Dark Mark on your arm, and then the whole bloody Golden Trio and Order will know."

"Speaking of the Order," I said. "Now that you killed Dumbledore, I assume you won't be able to go back? What will Annabelle think?"

I knew of the close friendship that appeared between Belle and Snape, and was curious to know if Annabelle would ever know of Snape's true allegiance.

"I talked to her tonight," Snape said with a sigh. "She said she trusted me, but that was before I killed her Headmaster."

We descended the stone steps of the castle in silent. Once my feet hit the dewy grass, I called ahead to Snape.

"Can you do me a favor? Please?"

Snape looked over his shoulder and raised both his eyebrows. "Considering I just killed Dumbledore for you, do you really think it's fair to ask me for another favor?"

"Please, Severus! Just- just tell Hermione about my true allegiance! I can't stay in hiding knowing that she doesn't trust me anymore! Please!"

Snape slowed his pace as we neared Hagrid's hut. He came to a full stop as we saw Bellatrix jumping around the hut, which was on fire. She laughed as she shot more fire from her wand.

"Oh, dear Merlin," Snape said rolling his eyes. He glanced once more at Bellatrix to make sure she was preoccupied before turning to me.

"Draco," he said softly. "As intelligent as Miss Granger is, she does not know occlumency. If I were to tell her about your true allegiance, it's possible Voldemort would capture her, invade her mind and find out the truth. He would then kill you and probably me along with Miss Granger. So for her sake and for mine, please just lay low, alright?"

My shoulders slumped forward in defeat. "Fine, but the second this bloody war is over, I'm finding her and telling her everything."

Snape nodded. "Fair enough, but let me warn you..." Snape faded off as he looked over his shoulder in the direction of the castle. "Oh gods, you've got to be joking me..."

I turned around to see Potter sprinting across the dark lawn, his wand held in front of him.

"SNAPE, HE TRUSTED YOU!"

I had to hold back a smirk. "He's really not that bright, is he?"

Snape rolled his eyes. "He's just like his father, bravery and no brains. Now go, run to the main gates and disapparate to the Manor. I'll take care of the Boy-Who-Lived-To-Make-My-Life-Miserable." Snape pushed me into the direction of the gates and turned to face Potter. I was halfway there when I heard a female shout behind me.

"No!" Annabelle cried, as she raced toward Harry and Snape. "Don't touch him!"

Harry shot a spell at Snape who easily deflected it with a sneer.

"Stop!" Annabelle shouted as she continued to advance toward the pair. "Don't hurt him!"

"I couldn't if I wanted to! He's the Dark Lord's man to kill!" Snape scowled back at Annabelle.

"Crucio!" Harry cried, pointing his wand at Snape, who once again easily deflected the curse.

By this time, Annabelle had reached them and forcefully lowered Harry's wand arm.

"Didn't you hear what I said, you bloody idiot? Don't hurt him!"

I stared across the field at Annabelle, truly shocked. Snape and Harry stood completely still, complete surprise written on both of their faces.

"WHAT?" Harry yelled in Annabelle's face. "You are scolding ME for trying to avenge Dumbledore's death by torturing this murderer?"

"Harry James Potter, I swear to Merlin if you even lay a finger on him I will make you wish you were never born!"

Snape remained silent and looked completely flabbergasted.

"We are going to turn around, and walk straight back up to the castle and locate Dumbledore's body, alright?" Annabelle said in a softer tone. "C'mon, this isn't our fight right now."

Harry stared Snape down, reluctant to go.

"Listen to you sister, Potter," Snape mocked. "Do you really think you have a fighting chance against me, your Defense Professor who is also a Death Eater?"

"SECTUMSEMPRA!" Harry shouted at Snape.

Snape deflected the spell with a swift wave of his wand and covered the distance between himself and the Potters in six long strides.

"You dare use my own spells against me, Potter?" Snape growled in Harry's face. "You're just like your father! Taking things that aren't... yours... to... take." Snape glanced to Annabelle for a moment before returning his gaze back to the younger Potter.

"Don't say a word against my father!" Harry spat.

Snape ignored this comment with a roll of his eyes before focusing his attention on Annabelle.

"Why, Miss Potter," Annabelle glared at Snape at his unfamiliar use of her surname. "Don't you have NEWT's you should be studying for?"

Annabelle's eyes doubled in size before she grabbed Harry's sleeve and tugged him toward the castle.

"Let's go; it's been a long night. Remember: those who fight and run away, live to fight another day."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I just want to say that Draco stepping on Snape's cloak is a true story! Tom Felton said in an interview that the director told the Death Eaters to follow closely behind Alan Rickman and not look down. Alan specifically told everyone following to not step on his cloak. On the second take, Tom Felton dug his heel well into the back of the cloak (on accident of course ;) and Alan's head shot back from the sudden stop. I figured I would add this bit into my story when I came across the interview ;) Let me know your thoughts! Also- earlier, I said that 2 movies inspired the chapter from the Ministry when Annabelle and the others escape Bellatrix. One movie was Die Hard; Annabelle appeared to have surrendered but really had a weapon behind her back and could attack the "villain" when least expected. Alan Rickman played Hans Gruber and the main character used this technique as a surprise attack against him. The other movie that inspired me was Horton Hears a Who, only because George says the line "I meant what I said and I said what I meant, a brother is faithful 100 percent" or something along those lines. Horton said something similar but an elephant, not a brother, was faithful.

I just want to thank everyone that is sticking with this story! I hope you'll all stick with it to the end because I really like the ending I have in mind! Post comments or private message me- I love hearing feedback! Thanks and I'll update a new chapter soon!