15. Through the roaring din, she breathed one word

Through the roaring din, she breathed one word. And although he couldn't hear the words, he could read the lips he had long ago memorized, mapped out with his own. He made his way to her, silently, eyes glued to her effervescent beauty. Ah, what beauty. Her eyes were wide with fear and panic, but there was still that look, that unnamable look he had spied in her eyes before, and it was staring at him in the face, bearing down at him. And suddenly, he was more aware than ever of their differences.

"I'm sorry," he said, softly, as he got near her. She shook her head, a pained look on her face.

"There's no time for apologies." She reached out a hand and cupped his cheek. He unconsciously leaned into her touch, snuggling into the warm heat of her palm. The look of pain in her eyes doubled and he wished there was something, anything he could do to get rid of it. But he knew, more than anything, that he had put the look in there. It was his fault and he felt, suddenly, like it was hard to breathe.

"Draco?" she asked, concern etched into her face. He shook his head. They didn't have time for this. He laid his palm over the hand that she used to cradle his cheek, his eyes boring into hers. He took her hand off of his cheek, tangled their fingers together and leaned forward. She closed her eyes as she felt the familiar feel of his lips on hers, except this time it was soft, so soft. A parting caress. Her eyes snapped open.

"No," she breathed, horror stricken. He looked away, ashamed.

"You know I have no choice."

"Bullshit!" she yelled, tears welling up in her eyes. "Bullshit, Draco. Everyone has a choice. This just happens to be yours. Please," suddenly she was pleading and he felt that breathless feeling return, even more potent. "Please don't do this."

"I have to, Gin," he whispered, achingly. Her tears fell freely down her cheeks, now. He looked torn, hearing the screams and shouts getting worse, reaching a horrible crescendo. He knew that if he didn't go soon... He didn't even want to think of it.

"Dammit, Draco, don't." she was clutching at his hand now and he didn't know what possessed him when he pulled her into his arms and crushed his mouth to hers. This time it was more frenzied, this time it was more desperate. But one thing held true, was the same. It was still goodbye. He finally wrenched himself away from her, looked down at her pale, tear streaked face.

"I have to go," he said, quietly. He reached out and took a fresh tear that had just slipped from the corner of her eyes and rubbed it over her lips. Then he leaned down and kissed her, soundly. And then he was gone in a flurry of black robes. Leaving her, leaving her staring at his disappearing back, her heart shattered, tasting his kisses and her tears.