Draco woke in a sweat, with none of the usual morning drowsiness. The sun had just begun to rise, the sky's pale pink glow visible through the dungeon's window.

His nerves had awakened him early.

Today, he would rebuild his whole life. Everything that had been taken from him would be returned. Everything that had been denied him would be graciously given.

All he had to do was to complete his mission.

Draco dressed quickly and headed outside; breathing in crisp morning air as though every breath could steel him, help him succeed.

Today he would kill Dumbledore.

After that……