A/n: Okay, been a while since I've done Harry Potter, despite it being part of my personality. I was having some trouble with this prompt but let's see how it works out with Draco. This would be set sometime in the sixth or seventh? I meant for it to be in the seventh, during the Battle of Hogwarts, but I can't exactly remember what happened so I'm gonna try and keep it vague enough that it doesn't matter anyway lol.
Today's prompts: Forced choice, public display, "I'm doing this for you"
He had the choice to say no. He could always just not join the Dark Lord.
The thought almost made him laugh. Almost.
There was not choice, not for him. Not when his father was one of… his most loyal followers, even if it was out of selfishness. Not when his own home was being used as Death Eater central. People thought his name and the status associated with it gave him the most freedom one could ever want, but in fact, it was the opposite.
Draco had never had a choice, in anything. That pattern hadn't broken when it came to joining the Dark Lord.
"I'm doing this for you, Draco," his father had hissed. "All of the strings I've pulled, things I've done have been for your future. Do not disrespect me by throwing it all away."
He hoped some of his classmates knew that, his helplessness when it had come to this. He avoided their hateful gazes now as he stood on the opposite side of them. On Vol- the Dark Lord's side.
When he was younger, joining the Dark Lord, the power it would give him was all he'd ever wanted. But now that he had it, he wanted to run away. It was cowardly, he knew that, but he also knew he came from a family of cowards. The Malfoys - and to that extent, the Blacks - liked to pretend they were powerful, strong, when in reality they only did what would benefit them. Join the Dark Lord so you could gain his favour and you'd be better off when he ruled the world.
Draco grimaced. He'd learned the slimy truths of his family by now. They were leeches, sticking to power for the sake of saving themselves. Family was everything, and they would let the rest of the world burn if it meant another generation of purebloods. Loyal to the end, but to whom varied, family above all else.
He had never had a choice.
When his family beckoned him, and turned their backs on the bloodshed, walking away in cowardice back across the bridge, he had no choice but to follow.
A/n: Short but hopefully still good. Not much else to say.
Stay safe, take care of yourselves, and see ya soon.
- CrowofArcadiaOaks