I waited as Malfoy took his time before starting to speak. I wanted to roll my eyes – he was playing another pureblood mind game. After Crouch had forced Malfoy to follow, obediently trailing behind him, he wanted revenge.

It was pureblood politics, and it reflected the moronic idiots that tried their hand at it.

Malfoy wanted to make Crouch ask him what was going on.

Crouch was too proud for that.

They both waited in silence for a few moments, both daring the other to break it. Finally, it was Malfoy who spoke, knowing they had to complete their mission.

"We are attacking tonight," Malfoy stated. Crouch narrowed his eyes at Malfoy, looking defiant and proud and so much like an obsolete child that it was near funny.

"What is the purpose of this attack?" Crouch asked. "It seems pointless – after all, we are trying to bide our time until the Dark Lord rises once more."

"We must fear and respect. The hour draws near, and the Dark Lord will not be scorned like a throwaway joke when he returns."

"I think Potter's death would show that more than anything you can do tonight, Malfoy," Crouch scoffed, unimpressed by Malfoy's fine words and weavings.

"Potter will be killed – of course, we have planned that. But not tonight. Tonight, we show the world that the Death Eaters and still here, still uncontained, and that our Lord is very much alive."

"What do you plan to do on this attack?" I noticed the pointed use of 'you' instead of 'we.' Crouch did not approve of Malfoy's plan, and he was making himself heard over that.

"We will… have some fun, per say. We won't kill them – but we can play with the muggles and terrify the wizards. Light things on fire, let things burn around them, let them realize nowhere is safe."

"I do not condone your worthless risks, but I won't say no to a little action after so many years of being a prisoner. I will be there."

Malfoy nodded sharply.

"Then our business is over. Prepare, Crouch. You wouldn't want to be captured. It would break your father's heart."

"Damn him and damn you, Malfoy. Get out of here."

I took that as my cue to leave as well. Malfoy spun around, looking every ounce of the powerful pureblood he wished to portray. Merlin, it was pointless.

I ran as well, moving as fast as I could without being detected.

I did not know if Crouch planned on returning to his father, so I could not risk searching for the seats again. Besides, the game had already finished, and there was no guarantee that Ron, Hermione, and Harry would still be in the seats.

I wandered back towards the tent. It was somewhat far. Malfoy and Crouch had spoken only where they believed no one could possibly overhear.

I slipped into the tent unnoticed and stepped towards the table full of laughing kids, replaying every part of the game.

It was hard to imagine that chaos was going to erupt tonight.

That was the way of the Death Eaters. To attack when others were happy, to kill joy and pride. They flourished when they could eat off others happiness. They flourished when there was no more happiness to be consumed.

I found that I couldn't bring myself to interrupt them. I had no way to tell Hermione anything. In all actuality, she already knew everything I could tell her.

Except the fact that Harry was missing his wand. I had forgotten about that for a moment.

I had to tell them about that, but there was no way for me to manage that.

How could I do this?

I crept behind Hermione, wondering how to get her attention without being obvious. I brushed against her legs, looking every bit a cat who felt attention starved.

Hermione didn't even seem to notice – she was absorbed into the discussion and spending time with her friends.

I paused, wondering what else I could do. Perhaps, I, myself, could go and find Harry's wand –

It was worth it. After all, Harry's wand kept him alive more than once. If the Death Eaters had it, then he would be weakened – especially when they attacked.

Though, they weren't planning on killing Harry yet…

But they were planning on killing him.

I could help…

If Crouch saw me, then I would die and Harry would still not have his wand.

Or – worse yet, I would be tortured into giving the Dark Lord all the information I knew – which was a lot.

I couldn't help them with this task.

It would cost too much if something went wrong.

For me.

And for everyone.

It wasn't worth it.

Head down, I turned from Hermione's chair and crept into the boys' bedroom.

I felt like I was betraying the others. I felt like I could so something… anything.

But I couldn't.

I had always been someone to do things as opposed to taking it quietly.

When I wanted to join the Dark Lord – I did.

When I wanted to leave – I did.

Merlin, I was scared to hell and back, but I did it all the same.

Of course, what I wanted to do had been twisted and wrong for a very long time, but I had followed it.

Now, I stood here, unable to do anything but wait.

I couldn't do anything.

Nothing.

I curled up, trying not to think about the events of that night.

Hermione would be prepared.

I had told her to be prepared, and I trusted that she would be.

That was all I could do.

For the first time, I truly realized how stifled I was.

Forever, I would hide. Forever, I would be dead to most.

I could never wander as a human, not caring who saw me, not caring what happened.

I would be running forever.

For I was marked as death eater and a betrayer. I was marked to be killed.

It was funny that I should I care so much about this war. After all, no matter what side I took -

I would lose.

It wasn't worth it.

I fell into sleep and nightmares before I had realized I closed my eyes.

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I'm finally getting my life under control. There is light at the end of the tunnel for school's end!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter