a/n Here is the next chap. Thanks for the reviews!

All four of them raced down to Professor Dumbledore's office, Hermione's mind was racing. The final battle was the next day, it was too soon. She looked over at Harry and noticed he had gone pale; there was also a determined glint in his green eyes. He could do this, he could defeat Voldemort. Ron was still sending angry glances at Draco who looked normal. None of this seemed to faze him, but Hermione knew better. Behind the cool, calm mask he was a wreck. She slipped her hand into his and squeezed it. He looked at her surprised, but gave her a shaky smile. Finally they reached Dumbledore's office.

"What is the password?" Harry asked Draco.

"When I got here Dumbledore was walking out of the office, I never heard it," Draco shrugged.

"Yeah sure," Hermione shot a look at Ron. "What? I was just saying that he could be lying and trying to draw us into a trap…" Ron's voice faded when he caught sight of Hermione's hand intertwined with Draco's. "What is going on?" He asked looking pointedly at Hermione.

"No now Ron, right now we have to see Dumbledore," but Ron was being stubborn and didn't listen.

"Are you two together?" He practically shouted.

"Ron…" Hermione started.

"HOW LONG? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BETRAYING US?" Ron was shouting now.

"Ron, it isn't like that, listen to me…"

"Why should I? Why should I …" But he was cut off by Draco.

Draco had had enough; Weasley had blown up at Hermione and didn't even notice that she was on the verge of tears. Seeing Hermione cry was unbearable, she had done nothing wrong.

"Why don't you just shut up so we can see Dumbledore," Draco's voice was forced calm.

Ron opened his mouth to retaliate, but just then Dumbledore came down from his office.

"Ah, I thought it was your voice that I heard Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Sir, Mal-Draco realized that he left the note on the floor of his library," Draco was surprised Potter had used his name.

"Mr. Malfoy is this true?" Dumbledore looked at him sharply.

"Yes sir," Draco looked down at his shoes. For some reason he felt like he failed Hermione, but she just squeezed his hand again. He knew that he was hopeless. He was in love with her that was the only answer.

"Well then, now we must assume that the enemy knows about the final battle. You kids get some rest; you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. Hermione, Ron and Draco you three will be in charge of the other students. Harry you know what you will be doing."

Draco was relieved, but looked at Hermione's horrified face. "Sir, we want to be with Harry," Hermione insisted. Draco's heart lurched, no he couldn't let her. There was a chance that she would never come back, a chance that she will be the one to make that sacrifice. He couldn't let her go.

Dumbledore sighed, "Yes, I suppose you can. Draco, you will no go though."

"But sir…" He was cut off.

"I think it would be best if you stayed at Hogwarts that is final. Now good night," with that he left.

Hermione felt Draco's hand go limp in hers. She looked at him confused, but he had a mask on. He was upset that he didn't get to go, but there was more then that. There was something he wasn't telling her.

"Draco are you ok?" Hermione asked him worriedly.

"Fine," he grunted taking his hand out of hers.

"Draco…" She said watching her two friends begin to walk away.

"We need to talk," he said and took her by the arm leading her to an empty class room.

"What is it?" Hermione asked once they were in the empty class room.

"I don't want you to go?" Draco said trying to keep his voice level.

"Why not? Harry needs me!" Hermione looked at him and Draco could see the confusion in her eyes, he sighed. "What is this all about, tell me Draco," she looked at him, defiance glinting in her eyes.

Hermione was confused, but determined. She needed to find out why Draco didn't want her to go with Harry. He knew something, something that she should know. What really annoyed her was when he wouldn't talk to her. Draco didn't know it, but his secrets were eating him alive.

"I don't think I should tell you," he said turning away.

"Draco Malfoy, do you think for one second that I would let you walk away without telling me?" Hermione locked the door with a few charms, ones that Draco hadn't heard. That way he couldn't figure out the unlocking charm.

"Hermione, just let me out," Draco turned around at her angry.

"Not until you tell me what this is all about," she stared at him, straight in the eye.

Draco looked defiantly at her, but then realized that he couldn't get out without her help. He would have to tell her, he knew he wouldn't normally act like this, but he was tiered and worried about her, she wasn't looking too good.

"In the book I read, it said that someone would make a sacrifice. I don't want that person to be you. It also said that they would have to make a choice that will tip the battle in someone's favor. Again, I don't want that to be you. I'm worried about you Hermione; I'd like it better if you were here with me." Draco couldn't believe what had just come out of his mouth. He sounded like a fool who was in love. Was he?

"So you are asking me to choose between you and Harry?" Hermione said in a small voice.

Draco frowned, "I wouldn't put it that way."

"But that is what you're asking me to do," Hermione said simply. "I just need some time to think about this. I'll give you my answer tomorrow." With that she unlocked the doors and left. Draco felt like something was grabbing his stomach and twisting it. He hoped she choose him.

a/n Sorry it took so long. I'll update soon, or when I find the time. 