AN: Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

Snape led Draco out of the hospital wing, up several flights of stairs, before stopping in front of an ugly gargoyle.

"Canary Creams." He couldn't keep the look of disgust off his face, while Draco tried to think what Canary Creams were. Obviously it was come kind of sweet – Dumbledore's passwords always were – but he'd never heard of them. Perhaps they were muggle; Ginny might know – he'd ask her.

The gargoyle hopped aside, and a spiral staircase appeared. Gesturing for Draco to follow, Snape walked up. At the top of the stairs, he paused, and knocked on a door. Dumbledore called out, and the pair entered his office.

"Well, Severus, may I ask what brings you here?"

"Young Mr Malfoy. I believe he has something to tell you." Then, Snape leaned across and whispered in Draco's ear.

"Dumbledore can help you, if you tell him what you told me."

Draco shuffled nervously. It was one thing to tell Snape, who had been his mentor and Head of House since he'd started at Hogwarts, but Dumbledore was different. Still, he either had to confess now or be forced into the Death Eaters in a few months time.

"Professor Dumbledore, sir, I was brought here because I do not want to join the Death Eaters."

"A very commendable decision, Mr Malfoy. However, it will cause some problems, I believe, with your family."

Draco looked at the floor, not wanting to face Dumbledore.

"Yes, sir."

"In that case, it is probably best if you do not return home during the holidays. I will write to your father and inform him that you are required to remain in Hogwarts."

"Thank you." Draco looked up again. "But what would I do about going home for the summer?"

"We will deal with that issue when we are nearer the time. Now, if I could have a word, Professor Snape. Please wait outside, Draco."

Draco left the office, and sat on the top of the stairs. The meeting had gone well, he decided. At least Dumbledore and Snape were prepared to listen to him and help him. The summer holidays were still a very worrying prospect, however. Draco knew that as soon as he set foot in Malfoy Manor, he would be branded with the Dark Mark. Still, he supposed Dumbledore would prevent that.

…………………

"It was a good idea to bring him here, Severus. Draco Malfoy needs to be removed from his father's clutches, or he will be initiated into the Death Eaters regardless of what his own wishes are. He has recently become acquainted with Ginevra Weasley, has he not?"

"Yes, he has."

"That's good. I believe she is the one behind his sudden change of heart, and the friendship will do him good – rid him of certain prejudices and so on. It would probably be beneficial to send him to Grimmauld Place for the holidays."

"He wouldn't last a day in a house full of Order members."

"Nevertheless, he shall go. You'd better take him back now, before Poppy realises he's missing."

…………………

"Come on, Draco. Back to the hospital wing."

Draco stood, stretched, and followed Snape all the way back. They walked in silence until they reached the door of the infirmary.

"Well done, Draco. I'm proud of you. You had the courage to do something I didn't at your age."

With that comment, he turned and strode off, his cloak billowing. Draco couldn't help but snigger as he remembered a comment Ginny had made once. His Head of House really did resemble an overgrown bat.

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