Draco kept things civil with Potter after learning about Regulus and James. Well, it was more like they just ignored each other's presence. Draco didn't ridicule Potter in front of his housemates, and Potter stopped trying to talk to him. Everyone was content with that.

If only all of his problems could go away by not thinking about them. Draco spent the first week pretending he didn't have to kill the most powerful wizard alive before Regulus forced him to.

"We need to make an attempt at least every month. We don't know what'll work."

"Every month? I should only have to do it once." Once was bad enough for Draco.

"C'mon you know that this isn't going to be easy, might as well increase your odds," Regulus said with such a neutral face, it felt like they were discussing his school work, not murder.

But they started scheming. By far the most useful thing would be if they could get the vanishing cabinet working. The possibilities were endless. He could essentially leave Hogwarts at any time with no one being the wiser. He would have access to anything he desired without anyone checking.

They found where the cabinet had been left on the first floor in the same spot where Montague had been shut in the year before. It was obviously not operational. The wood was cracked and a simple spell told him that whatever charm had been placed on it was practically gone. Worst of all, it was right off of a busy corridor. He wouldn't be able to frequent the spot without people seeing him and the blasted thing was too big to move without drawing attention. They couldn't risk what a shrinking charm would do to it, and even if they could, there wasn't a better location for it.

So they reluctantly focused their efforts on other ideas. They needed a place to start brewing potions. Initially, they started by rotating between different abandoned classrooms to work in, but that too had problems. First, there weren't that many, and second, other students also used them either for impromptu snogging or study sessions. Draco had begrudgingly voiced his idea.

"We could always use the girls' room on the second floor."

"Isn't that Mrytle's?"

"Yeah, but no one would ever be there," Draco said grumpily.

Regulus grimaced. "Yeah, it's a good idea. I hate it, but it's a good idea."

So they started the projects there. Myrtle was annoying, always teasing about "what a bad boy he was" but usually left to her toilet after a while of Draco ignoring her presence. They started their brews of deathly potions. Black had learned of several from the Black family library that were terrifying including one that stopped your heart and one that turned your blood to ice. They would be effective, but bloody difficult to get right.

"We could always try to get something muggle," Regulus suggested.

"Muggle?"

"You'd be surprised what their chemicals can do. My family strictly forbade it, but James had often discussed muggle science. They're wicked smart. I am pretty sure you can just buy acid if you know the right place."

"Sure," Draco replied, clearly skeptical.

"You should consider every option. You don't have time to be picky."

Draco knew he was right. They could resort to that if they hadn't succeeded in the first half of the year.

The first Hosmede trip gave Draco his first proper oppurtunity to kill Dumbledore. Regulus suggested writing to Borgin to get the cursed necklace delivered during the trip.

"Clearly someone succeeded at cursing him," Regulus had said referring to Dumbledore's hand. "Might as well try again."

Draco agreed, but the problem remained that if he was caught with a deadly object in Hogwarts, that would be grounds for expulsion. The delivery of the necklace and the attempt needed to be in quick succession, so Regulus helped him outline a plan.

First, he needed to get some polyjuice potion. The obvious choice would've been to ask Snape for it, but Snape wouldn't have given it freely without knowing Draco's full plan. A plan that he probably wouldn't approve of. Draco and Regulus had felt good about it, but it wasn't foolproof - it was just a first attempt after all.

They tried calling Kreacher, but as always the elf never appeared. Regulus tried not to look upset when he didn't show.

They had another choice, his mother. Draco had no doubts that his mother would find the potion, no questions asked. The problem came with how she got it to him. Their post was monitored. The flu was monitored. The cabinet was still non-functional. There was no way to get it delivered. Regulus was debating whether it was worth it to try and brew it themselves when Draco came up with a much easier option.

"What if I stole it?"

"Where would you steal it from?"

"Where do you think? Slughorn of course." They were both idiots for not thinking of it sooner.

"I doubt -" Regulus cut off, realisation dawned on him. "You're a genius."

It took a bit to figure out the logistics but he was able to convince Crabbe to distract Slughorn about remedial lessons and the possibility of getting into the NEWT level class despite a Poor on his OWL. Draco snuck into the classroom, where on the back wall, Slughorn proudly displayed all of his brewed potions. It was ridiculous the man thought that students weren't going to try and steal them. Already he noticed that the Amortientia was only half full. Draco was able to get enough polyjuice to last a few hours poured into a flask, all while Slughorn was trying to convince Crabbe that his "talents" were better suited for other classes.

Secondly, Draco had to land himself in detention. The riskiest part of repetitively trying to kill Dumbledore was the suspicion it would bring. Draco needed alibis and good ones, or else he would be bringing a manhunt down on himself.

He didn't do either of his two assigned transfiguration essays the week of Hogsmeade. McGonalgall, as expected, kept him after class.

"You didn't do your assignments, Mister Malfoy."

"No, Professor, I didn't."

"Any particular reason why?"

"Didn't feel like it?" Draco said a little cheekily.

"That is not a valid excuse. Need I remind you is a NEWT level class, work is not optional." When he didn't offer a better excuse she continued, "I hope you don't feel like going to Hogsmeade this weekend. You have detention, all day Saturday. You will be doing the essays. Along with an extra 10 inches on the risks of partial transfiguring without properly understanding the technique."

"Yes, Professor," he tried to look upset but was bubbling on the inside. It was honestly a miracle she had picked Saturday. He was planning on going to Flitwick next and start charming the chairs to tip over anytime someone tried to sit in them.

That night he brought Crabbe and Goyle into his scheme.

"I need you two to help me," he had pulled them over to an empty part of the common room.

"We've already been helping you," Crabbe complained.

"Yes, and I obviously need more help," Draco said and rolled his eyes.

"Is it for whatever projecthehas you doing?" Goyle said conspiratorially.

Since his offhand comment on the train, most of his housemates had been assuming that everything he did was a "secret project" for the Dark Lord. Draco knew he should've discouraged it, but people listened to him if they thought it had a broader implication. They would likely do anything for him if they thought it would please the Dark Lord.

He glanced at Regulus, who just shrugged. He also didn't know the usefulness of sharing the truth with them.

"Yes." No one would believe Crabbe or Goyle anyway. They both perked up. "I need to get out of the castle on Saturday, but no one can know about it."

"How do you plan on that?" Goyle asked.

"You need to be me. Crabbe, you need to keep watch and be available as a distraction so I can return without anyone realising the switch."

"Be you?"

"I have polyjuice. You'll take it just before I have detention with McGonagall, and pretend to be me. She is making me write an essay, you just have to fake it and I'll switch back in with my real one. Can't have you ruining my Transfiguration marks."

They both looked at him confused.

"You do know polyjuice right?" Clearly, they didn't. "It's a miracle you didn't get Trolls on your OWLs. It's a potion. You take it and you'll look like me. Just don't talk much or you'll give it away."

"So, I'll just pretend to be you," Goyle said.

"And I just wait for you to come back?" Crabbe asked.

Draco nodded. "Glad to see you are both capable of simple reasoning."

Third, he needed to get the necklace from Borgin. He had written a letter weeks before -

B,

I have a reservation and I need you to check on it for me. It's the smaller one. Can you make sure it's delivered? It'd be a shame if the wolves got to it first.

Regarding the larger project, I could use some additional information. Things are a bit cracked on my side.

In other news, I have my first Hogsmeade trip on October 5th. It's been too long since I last visited Honeydukes.

No need to respond,
D. M.

He had hoped if his post was being intercepted that it wouldn't be obvious who it was to. For extra measure, Regulus had him write other dummy letters and he told his owl to drop them in the forest.

He was incredibly nervous the Friday night before Hogsmeade. Everything was in place, he just hoped Borgin showed up and that he was able to execute the rest of the plan. Regulus always knew when his anxiety spiked.

"It's okay to be nervous."

"I'm not," Draco lied.

"You'll get used to the feeling. The more we have to do this the easier it'll get."

"Speaking from experience?"

"Yeah," Regulus admitted sadly.

"How many people have you killed?" It had been something he had wanted to ask before, but it had always felt too personal. But now that he was about to experience it himself…

"Three. First, was a muggle on a raid. Then a random witch who was part of Dumbledore's order. My father was the last."

"Do you feel guilty?" Draco hadn't done anything yet, but it was already gnawing at him.

"Guilty isn't the right word. Conflicted, maybe? I did them all for a reason and I believe my life would have been harder if I hadn't. But it's hard knowing that it's permanent. That you truly ended someone's life." If everything went to plan, it wouldn't be so hard for Draco anymore.

"It's okay to not want to do it. Not everyone is Bella. I'd be concerned if you did," Regulus said, trying to comfort him. Draco didn't know if he loved him or hated him for treating him like a child.

"Dumbledore could be dead tomorrow," Draco admitted quietly. It was crazy to say out loud.

"He could, but he probably won't be. We are just testing the waters tomorrow." That was oddly comforting. Maybe Regulus was right, and it would get easier the more attempts he made. Maybe it was a good thing if he didn't succeed immediately.

The next morning he dropped some of his hair in the polyjuice flask and watched as it turned an emerald green. Guess he really was a Slytherin. He gathered his bag, confirmed Grabbe and Goyle weren't going to deviate from his plan, and set off.

He disillusioned himself. He couldn't be seen going to Hogsmeade or his whole alibi would be pointless. Draco waited until the crowd had dissipated, not wanting to risk someone accidentally bumping into him.

"It's bloody weird not being able to see you," Regulus said, looking about a foot off from where he was currently standing. It was even more weird when Regulus had to follow him; He kept getting pushed by the invisible boundary.

As they got into the village and walked towards Honeydukes, Draco didn't see Borgin. The old man was nowhere and his heart started to beat faster. This was all for nothing if he didn't show.

"Bruke is over there," Regulus pointed to an alley beside the candy shop where a man stood with a black package in his arms. Draco had never actually met Burke before, but thank Merlin Regulus had. He approached the man, grabbed his upper arm, and pulled him further away from the main street.

"Wha- ?" Burke struggled against his grip.

"It's Malfoy. Give it here," Draco hissed and took the package from him.

Burke squinted trying to see through the spell. "You're damn good at that charm. Can barely see you."

"How much do I owe you?" Draco reached for his pouch.

"Your mother already paid for it."

"What?"

"She came by the shop weeks ago. Paid for that and the cabinet. Speaking of which, Borgin said you have the pair?"

Curse his meddling mother. "Yes, but it's broken."

"Obviously. Or else I would've been able to use the one in the shop. What part is broken?"

"I don't know. The door has some splinters."

"Has the charm been messed with?" Burke said insistently.

"I think so."

"Damn. That'll be a bitch to repair, but I have some other things for you to try." He pulled out a piece of parchment and started explaining. "Any cosmetic damage has to be repaired with the same type of wood. Mahogany. The charms are tricky, but if you get them in the right order it shouldn't require too much technical skill. I would first …" He was talking too fast, Draco couldn't keep up. Hopefully, Regulus would. At least they weren't dealing with the too-eager-to-please Borgin. Burke was clearly the more competent one.

"Did you get all that?" He asked passing over the paper.

"Uh, sure," Draco said, but Burke didn't look convinced. "I'll be in contact if I need more help." He moved the package under his robes making sure it was covered by his disillusionment.

"Right, and be careful with that!" Draco didn't respond and strode to his next stop - The Three Broomsticks.

The fourth, and possibly hardest part of their plan, was getting someone under the Imperius curse. They had decided to chain the curse. The more people between Draco and the person who delivered the package to Dumbledore the better. Madam Rosmerta had been his first pick. She had access to lots of students who could take the package, no one would suspect her, and well, she seemed simple enough to not fight the curse.

He slid in behind some students, dodging between the patrons trying to avoid being touched. It took only a minute before he saw his opening to sneak behind the bar and follow Madam Rosmerta into the back room.

"Imperio," he whispered. The sensation was the same as when he had cast it on the Goblin at Gringotts. He could feel how blank her mind went, but he kept his clear. He could funnel whatever he wanted into her brain.

Keep working like normal.

She did, grabbing the bottle she had gone for and heading back to the bar. That command would be difficult to resist since there was no reason not to. He kept repeating to her as a mantra, hoping she was acting normal enough to not draw attention. He made his way back outside and knelt, removing the necklace from the case Burke had brought it in. He levitated it onto a flimsy package and rewrapped it carefully. That had been Regulus's idea. Make it so if anyone jostled or tried to open it that the necklace would fall out quickly, increasing the chance of accidentally touching it.

The fifth and final step was to get a student to give the package to Dumbledore. He went round to the back of the Three Broomsticks, and left the package outside the back door.

Come to the back of The Three Broomsticks.

Madam Rosmerta appeared, face emotionless.

Pick up the package.

She did so without hesitation.

Wait until someone goes into the loo alone. Imperious her. Tell her to give the package to Dumbledore. Keep working like normal.

She went back inside and Draco kept repeating the thoughts to her. He started to feel confident, good even. Everything was going as close to perfect as he could hope. Regulus felt it too.

"You are doing well," he said with an encouraging nod.

Draco gave a small smile and kept repeating the thoughts to Madam Rosmerta. It took the better part of an hour before he felt something shift. She was finally doing it. Another few minutes he saw Katie Bell leaving with the package in hand.

Don't remember the package.

He sent the final command and he released the woman. He took a relieved breath as he watched Bell start off in the direction of Hogwarts. She didn't get far before another girl chased after her. Draco tensed. The student giving the package to Dumbledore was supposed to be alone. Regulus shifted uneasily beside him watching as this new girl started talking to Bell.

He tried to follow, but of course, Potter and his friends were headed back at the same time. Afraid of getting too close he drifted back several paces behind them. He could still see Bell and her friend, but couldn't make out anything they were saying.

Around halfway back, it all started to go wrong. Bell's friend had grabbed onto the arm holding the package and started pulling.

"You need to stop her!" Regulus yelled.

Draco started forward, pulling his wand. He didn't know what he could do,stun them?He just knew he couldn't let that package break before it got to Dumbledore. He was too slow. Bell jerked, dropping the package, necklace spilling out onto the ground, and she rose into the air. Her hair was swirling ominously and her arms were frozen and outstretched. It was an utterly terrifying curse.

Then she started to scream.

It was horrible and painful. Regulus was trying to tell him something but he couldn't make it out. He was in had he done?The others were yelling and moving about, but Draco didn't notice them and kept staring as Bell collapsed to the ground still screaming.

Regulus finally stepped between him and Bell and the interruption in his sight jerked him back to reality.

"You should get back to the castle. Potter has already gone off to tell someone."

Draco finally took stock of what was happening. Bell was screaming although quieter. Her friend and Granger were kneeling beside her. Weasley stood there awkwardly. And sure enough, Potter was sprinting back towards the castle.

Regulus was right. He needed to get back before anyone could investigate further. He needed to get away from the scene, so he ran. Harder than he remembered running before. He didn't stop till he was near the Transfiguration classroom. He was heaving when he found Crabbe.

"Now!" He tried to yell, but it came out as a gasp. Crabbe was startled by him but to his credit did what they had discussed. He cast "Bombarda" on the adjacent wall, and then again a few feet down. And again. He was leaving piles of rubble in his wake.

"What is that racket?!" Professor McGonagall shouted, entering into the hallway. "Good Lord." She immediately followed the trail of dust and stone.

Draco snuck into where she came from and removed his disillusionment. Goyle was staring open-mouthed, still looking like Draco.

"Leave!" His voice was still more of a gasp. Goyle flipped the hood on his cloak and walked quickly out of the room. Hopefully, no one would notice him.

Draco collapsed into the now unoccupied chair. He was panting heavily and he felt limbless. That hardly mattered with his mind racing though. He couldn't think had it gone so wrong? Was Bell dead yet? Would they piece together he was behind it?His vision was starting to blacken at the edges.

"Draco, take a deep breath."

"I can't," Draco gasped between quick ones.

"CastSpiritus."

It took a moment before he could get the words out clearly enough to work. As soon as he did, his breathing reset to a normal pace. His vision cleared. It was just in time because McGonagall slammed open the classroom door, looking annoyed. She saw him lying back in the chair and snapped at him.

"I know you are nowhere close to being done. If you want to get out of here before dark, I suggest you sit up straight and start writing."

He groaned but tried to do as she said. He attempted to correct Goyle's horrendous handwriting, but his mind was had just killed a student.

"Draco, it'll be okay. Just finish the essay. I'll help," Regulus said, but his voice was tight. Draco glanced at him. He looked unsettled.

Regulus did end up helping. It was calming to just write whatever he was told. He didn't want his own thoughts at the moment.

"Professor?" A voice came from a very rattled-looking student.

"What?"

"There's been an incident." Draco's nerves were alight. This was it.

She sighed and left Draco to his spiralling, but only for a few seconds.

"You dismissed Mister Malfoy. I expect you to turn in your essays first thing Monday." He nodded, not trusting his voice.

She left again, and Draco packed up slowly. When he finally got into the hallway he paused watching as Potter, Granger, and Weasley followed McGonagall into her office. Curiosity got the better of him, he needed to know what happened after he left Bell.

He didn't expect what he heard.

"It was Malfoy," Potter said with confidence.

"That is a serious accusation," Mcgonagall warned.

"It's the truth."

"Seeing as he was serving detention with me all day, I highly doubt that."

"But he could have gotten someone to do it or maybe -"

"Harry." Granger cut him off.

Draco backed up a few steps, did Potter figure it out? Had he left evidence somewhere?He started walking away. He needed to be away from everyone but didn't get far.

"I know it was you." Potter had somehow caught up and wouldn't leave him alone. Draco gritted his teeth, schooled his features, and turned to face him.

"What was me?" Draco asked, trying to be nonchalant.

"Don't play dumb, you have everyone else fooled, but I know what you did to Katie."

"I don't know what you are talking about. I was in detention." He tried to sound smug.

"She could die because of you! Don't you feel anything?!"Could wasn't dead yet. Draco almost stumbled.

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"I'm not going to let this drop. How did you do it?"

"I don't know what you are talking about." He turned and started to walk away again. He could feel his eyes stinging and didn't want Potter to see.

"Tell me!" He grabbed Draco's arm, stopping him.

"I don't know what you are talking about," he said through clenched teeth, trying to hold back the tears.

"Don't fucking lie to me!" Potter yanked him around and Draco saw the moment he realised Draco was crying. It would have been satisfying to see if it wasn't at his expense. His grip on Draco's arm loosened, and Draco ripped it free.

"I don't know what you are talking about!" He said one final time and turned, leaving Potter speechless and alone behind him.