1 Chapter 9

The four students sitting in Dumbledore's office were in a state of shock. Harry and Christian had their hands clasped tightly together, and Hermione kept giving them dark looks. Draco would have thought it was sweet, if he hadn't been so jealous. He looked back at Dumbledore and listened to what he was saying.

"Now, I know this has come as a great shock to you all. And once again, I must say that you do not have to go. There is a chance some of you, maybe all of you, will die." At this, Hermione gave a small gasp. "You are all students, and do not have to do this if you don't want to. However," there was a small pause, "If you do go, you four could be the deciding factor in this war. With you all on our side, we could succeed in pushing away the Dark Lord forever. Now.. will you fight?"

For a moment, nobody moved. Then, very slowly, Harry nodded his head.

"I'll do it, Professor." Draco looked at Harry. He seemed so mature for his age, and yet so innocent. Little innocent Harry. Draco couldn't bear for Harry to go into this without going too, so he nodded his head.

"I will too, Professor."

After a moment's pause, Hermione and Christian, after both looking at Harry and Draco for reassurance, both nodded their heads too, looking just as nervous as Draco felt.

Dumbledore nodded gravely.

"I'm very glad of it. You leave now. Please go and pack your trunks, and try not to wake up anyone else. I will inform the school of your departure tomorrow morning." With that, he stood up and walked to the door, holding it open for them. Slowly, looking as if they were condemned prisoners walking towards a gallows, they filed out of the door, Harry and Christian first, then Hermione, and finally Draco.