Disclaimer: Um, yeah. We've been through this.

A/N: What? Another chapter in just a few minutes? Why, yes! Just for you guys!

A Decision Made

Ginny had just finished telling Harry about Hermione's dreams. She stared at the rocks nearest the lake. "I was right to tell you, wasn't I? I'm so worried about her. She's in so much pain during these dreams."

"They aren't dreams, Gin. That actually happened. She's right in thinking she's reliving Malfoy's memories. It's real," Harry glanced at Ginny to see her reaction. Her breath caught and her eyes filled with tears. "How could someone do that to his own son? How?" Her voice shook with disgust and incomprehension.

"I don't know, Ginny. But I've seen that in his memories during training. I don't know what exactly he's being asked to do, but I'm getting a clearer picture of it all. 'You will, or he will kill you'. What do you suppose Lucius meant by that?" Harry was thinking aloud, running through all the possibilities in his head before landing on one.

But, Ginny beat him to the punch. "He – meaning Voldemort. Malfoy has to do something or Voldemort will kill him," she responded quietly.

Caught off guard, Harry shot a look of amazement at Ginny. "Yeah, I think so too," He started slowly. "Now all we have to do is figure out what Malfoy is meant to do, and make sure he doesn't do it. If he defied his father – and with that reaction from Lucius, maybe he's already made up his mind not to do it, and that's why he's in the protection of the Order. He was offered protection so Voldemort can't get to him. And I have to help keep him from harm." Harry's mind was racing.

"Ginny?" Harry turned to his friend. She didn't look up at him, but lifted her head in response. "You were right to tell me about this. Thank you for letting me know. I am sure we can figure out how to stop these nightmares. Will you allow me to tell Professor Dumbledore?"

Ginny shook her head, "Not unless we can't handle it ourselves. Hermione would kill me if she knew I had told you. We need to get Malfoy to stop dreaming about it, I think she only relives the memory when he does. It's as if they share the pain. He and Hermione both seem tired and distant after a nightmare."

Harry glanced at Ginny in appreciation. "That's incredibly insightful of you, Ginny."

Ginny blushed, "Thanks, Harry." Ginny glanced at her watch, almost five in the morning. She had been talking to Harry for nearly four hours, and she didn't want it to end. "So, how do we get Malfoy to stop dreaming about it?"

Harry shook his head. "I haven't the faintest idea."

Training with Snape was taking a toll on both Draco and Harry. More often than not, Harry found himself with company at the lake during the night. Harry and Draco didn't speak very often during those times, but had seemed to settle into a silent agreement: I won't ask if you don't.

The Thursday before the trip to Hogsmeade was to be their first lesson in Synaesthesia, according to Snape. Harry had the distinct impression that Snape didn't want them to learn Synaesthesia, but couldn't pin down why.

That morning at breakfast, he broke news to his friends. Ginny, Hermione, and Ron were happily talking of the other day's Quidditch practice, and how Ron had nearly fallen off of his broom when Lavender Brown had shouted from the stands that she fancied Ron.

Harry waited for a break in the conversation before he started. "So I've decided. I'm going to let Malfoy stay with us over the Christmas Holiday. I think it would be better than him staying here. I mean, we can keep a closer eye on him and such." Harry glanced around at his friends.

Ginny beamed with pride, which made Harry's heart skip a beat. Ron looked incredulous, which Harry had expected. But, Hermione looked pained. When she saw Harry staring at her, she quickly rearranged her features to look something like acceptance, but she didn't fool Harry. He decided that he would need to talk to her before long. But first, he needed to tell Dumbledore his decision.

The owls came screeching into the hall at that moment, one landing in front of Ron and one landing in front of Harry. Harry's letter was unexpected. He unfurled the scroll and read:

Dear Harry,

It seems you have come to a conclusion about something. I suggest you come see me around 6 o'clock before your training class to discuss it.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

PS. My new favorite item from the Weasley twins' shop is the Pygmy Puff. I'm thinking of getting one.

Harry had no idea how Dumbledore came by his information, but he had to hand it to the wizard. He was crafty.

Harry looked over at Ron, who was busy devouring his letter with his eyes. Ron was so intent on the parchment in front of him, Harry had to call his name several times before he answered. "Ron! What are you reading that has you so distracted?"

Ron jumped, and his ears turned pink, "What? Oh, it's a letter from my Dad. You know, the usual stuff. Mum's going mental with Dad working late hours at his new position and such." Ron glanced around and said, "I forgot my, uh, Transfiguration book. I've got to go back and get it or McGonagall will throw a fit. I'll meet up with you later." Ron grabbed his book bag, and practically sprinted from the Great Hall. Harry stared after him in amazement.

The day wore on pretty much as Harry expected, but without the chance to ask Ron about this morning's mad dash. Transfiguration, Potions (still not talking to Draco) and before he knew it, it was 6 o'clock and he was standing in front of the great stone Griffin. "Pygmy Puff," Harry spoke confidently. The statue moved to reveal a hidden staircase behind, and Harry began to climb. He knocked tentatively at the headmaster's door. "Come in, Harry," was the reply.

Harry didn't know why he felt so nervous about telling Dumbledore his decision. He knew it would please the headmaster, seeing as this was Dumbledore's idea in the first place. It's because this makes the decision final. It's because, after this, we will invite Malfoy to my house for the holiday, and I'll have to deal with him. Harry knew this to be true.

He stepped over the threshold and walked determinedly to the headmaster's desk. Harry spoke first, before he had a chance to change his mind. "He can stay with me over the Christmas Holiday. But you must promise me one thing, Professor."

Dumbledore was amused; he hadn't expected a condition on the offer. "Yes, Harry, what is your request?"

Harry hesitated, what is the best way to say this? "Malfoy must have to option of saying 'No'. If he doesn't want to be there, you cannot make him go." Harry held his gaze even with Dumbledore's, who was regarding Harry with a questioning look. But instead of asking questions, as Harry was sure he would, Dumbledore simply nodded. "Of course, Harry. He will have it as an alternative to staying at Hogwarts. Now, what time is it? Six-fifteen. Would you mind if I accompanied you to your training? I assume today's lesson will be held in Professor Snape's dungeon office, as before?"

Harry nodded; a little confused as to why Dumbledore was coming with him, but together they descended into the dungeons, and walked briskly to Snape's office.

Draco was already there, and when Harry walked in with Dumbledore, Draco shot Harry a disgusted look and hissed, "I knew you were teacher's pet, Potter, but this is ridiculous. Must you have an escort everywhere you go?" If Harry didn't know any better, he would have thought Draco was jealous.

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