Ah it's been a while. Disclaimer: I don't own squat.

In shock, Draco Malfoy knew no other way to curb the excruciating pain he felt inside, other than to cause more pain. The tree bloody, his head bashed, and he felt rather calm, the warm blood maneuvering freely down his wretched face. Harry couldn't even bear to make eye contact with him; he couldn't even bear to look into his horrible eyes. Malfoy shook his head. If only Harry had chosen him over Ron that first fateful day. Stupid. They could have ruled, dominated together, his brains, Harry's so-called courage. "Humph." Malfoy snorted. "I can do it on my own." If so, than why is my heart beating so fast, why is my vision fuzzy, my head dizzy? He shook himself. Snap out of it!

"That had to be the only reason I wanted him-" Malfoy tried to reassure himself. "I mean, like Harry said, what other reason can it be?" He cried a little despite his conceitedness, feeling sorry for the pathetic state he put himself in. his dislike for himself seemed even greater than his "hatred" for Harry. Tired, and emotionally worn out, Malfoy resolved to change. He swore that before he left Hogwarts, he would be a great wizard by his own, using his powers for a cause he thought worthy.

Later, while his classmates toiled in Potions, Malfoy awoke and stretched. His dream bothered him. It seemed to conclude that no matter what, he would always turn to the Dark side. "I won't be Voldemort's follower!" He told himself fervently. "I will be my own man, not coddled, not abiding to the fate that is almost definitely mine." Stomping angrily towards class, he figured Snape would be furious. He almost grinned at the prospect of being punished, something he truly deserved. Entering the classroom, he remembered something interesting that would help him in this quest to be great.

****

Severus Snape wrung his sweaty hands worriedly. He never thought that Draco Malfoy would crack beneath that cold, haughty demeanor. Oh, this was bad, happening in his 7th and last year.

"If he keeps on acting strange and defying our way of life, I call on Lucius." Snape muttered, pacing across his office, dreading the meeting with Malfoy.

"Snape." Malfoy stood in the open doorway, his chin up, voice commanding.

Snape glanced over to him and timidly shuffled over. "Yes Malfoy?"

"Tell me now." Malfoy narrowed his eyes, getting right to the point.

"My boy, don't you think you're making the wrong decision?" Snape avoided him and stalled for time. "Why don't you reconsider?"

"No."

"Look how wonderful your life is!" Snape gasped, trying to convince him. "What makes you think that if you change you'll be accepted and loved? The high society of honorable wizards will shun you, you'll never be great that way. Oh sure, maybe some pathetic Mudbloods might grovel at your feet, but does that give you satisfaction?"

No response. Malfoy simply stared straight at the wall, his chin slightly quivering. Snape smiled, his words had their effect.

"Wouldn't you rather associate with the top wizards Malfoy? I can't imagine you with a bunch of Mudbloods. You father would be so ashamed-"

"I don't give a bloody hell about him." Malfoy shot Snape a nasty look. "My future, my life is in my hands. I have the power to do whatever I want!"

"My dear boy, what makes you so powerful? Surely not your own doing." Snape grinned smugly. "Let me tell you this, Malfoy, you go right bask on the right train tracks, or you'll be run over by the incoming train. You are only so smart and powerful, because we molded you that way. We can always change that. Don't let us down."

"You still haven't told me yet."

"I'm giving you another chance. Forget your silly notions and take the path through this jungle that has already been cleared for you. Don't go off into the unknown." Snape glanced at the unresponsive Malfoy. "Just compare the two lives."

"I'll be back." Malfoy sauntered out of the room, his robes hitting Snape on the way out.

Snape shook his head. "I'll regret this. Malfoy, I'll give you two more days, then I'm calling Lucius."

****

Malfoy stomped down the corridors, bumping and brushing against everyone, never apologizing. Harry stood at the end, laughing with Ron and Hermione. Noticing them, Malfoy grasped the wall fro support. Their happiness caught him off guard. He strived in life to be powerful, he had friends to use and manipulate. Never had he experienced simple joy or fun, with out the constant pressure of competing, coming our ahead. He clutched his heart, yearning to join them in their bubbling laughter, to stroll through the grounds without a worry, to have people stare at him in awe, not disgust or fear. As Harry and them flew past, he held his breath, hoping maybe he'd turn and notice. Yet they walked straight past him, enjoying their lives.

"Have I gone through nearly 18 years, never actually living to fulfillment?" He pushed himself off the wall. "I'm worthless. All I can contribute to this world is destruction, nothing that wouldn't hurt or harm. There's still time isn't there?" He walked off, away from the hustle and rush of school. They'll never miss a jerk like me, he thought.

Next time: A New Found Friendship