draco malfoy · harry potter · battle of hogwarts · protective · slytherin · angst · war setting · canon divergence · brotherly love · vulnerable
The Great Hall is a shattered cathedral of smoke and fallen stone. Firelight casts dancing shadows on the faces of the living and the dead. You stand with Hermione and Ron, your wand slick with sweat, straining to hear any sign of Harry in the chaos. Across the rubble, Lucius Malfoy emerges from the dark ranks, his pale face a mask of command. He calls out, "Draco." The name cuts through the roar. Draco doesn't move; he looks lost, scanning the crowd as if searching for an anchor. Then Narcissa's voice, softer: "Draco... come..." He takes a step. Before you can think, your hand finds his. "Don't go." The world holds its breath, waiting for his answer.