Two Days Later (a.k.a. Dumbledore's death)

Today is the fateful day. Alright Rachel. Take a deep breath. You knew this had to happen eventually. I just never thought I was going to be this nervous. I have to see Draco before this happens. I have to make him realize that I still love him and will no matter what.

So here I am. Wandering through the halls in search of a boy who will soon change history. Ahh, there he is. He's down the hall from the Room of Requirement with his lackeys Crabbe and Goyle. I should have guessed. Probably getting ready to go fetch the lapdogs, I mean Death Eaters.

"Hey Malfoy!" I yell down the hallway as I walk towards him. "May I have a word with you…alone?"

Draco looks nervous and anxious, but puts on his façade as soon as he sees me coming. He gives a short nod to Crabbe and Goyle and walks me hurriedly down the hallway until we are out of eavesdropping range.

"What is it Cohen? I'm very busy at the moment, so if you could hurry it up," he drawls.

'Well I just wanted… wait, why are you so busy?" I ask, playing dumb. Maybe I can get some answers out of him. Doubtful, but it could happen.

"Nothing of your concern! Anyway, I don't even know why I'm talking to you. I thought I told you to go home?"

There is something in his eyes when he says this that I can't quite decipher. Then all of a sudden it clicks in my brain. Go home…GO HOME! It's not an insult. He's trying to protect me! He wants me to go somewhere safe, some place far away from here.

"Oh, Draco." I give him a sweet smile and take his hands. I look him straight in his eyes as I tell him what I'm sure is on both his and my mind. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I promise you that I will be safe. I know more than you could possibly think. Believe me, I know what I'm doing. As for you, you'll also be fine. Believe in yourself and you'll always do the right thing. I know that there are times when you have to do what you have to do. Remember that I will always, ALWAYS be there for you in the end."

Draco's mask falters and he sighs in defeat. He looks a little relieved. Before he can say anything, I speak up again. "There is one thing you have to do for me."

"What?"

"Say you love me," I plainly state.

"But…Rachel…I can't…" he begins to ramble, but I interrupt him again.

"Say you love me," I say staring into his eyes, trying to bring back memories. Please remember. Just say it!

Draco stares back at me, trying to figure out his emotions. Finally he crumbles as he sees the love and passion reflected in my eyes. He pulls me close. I shiver as I feel his breath upon my neck.

"You know I do," he says quietly in my ear, as he did once before. I smile at him as his starts to pull away. I give him a short, yet passionate kiss on his lips and caress his cheek before pulling fully away.

"As do I to you. Now go out there and do what you need to. I'll be waiting." I gently let go of his hands and send him on his way back to his destiny. As I see him walk into the Room of Requirement, I hurry back to the Gryffindor common room.

I quickly find Allie amongst the crowd and see that Taylor is there too. Good. That makes my life a little easier. They turn their heads as they see me walking towards them.

"It's time."