Welcome to my new Dramione story, I hope you enjoy it. Sadly I own no characters in this story, isn't life unfair? I'm just borrowing world to play with like the rest of you.

This will gradually get darker and more mature as it goes along, just thought I'd warn you now.

* Since its been roughly a year -ekk- since I finished writing Love letters I'm going over it to clean up a few grammar type mistakes. *

Chapter 1.

Sixth year should've been, could've been so many things. A new school year altered the outlook on a person's life, it promised chances of change, new friends and old, knowledge at your fingertips, adventures lurking in the hallways and an unwritten future. Those in Hogwarts who looked further than the grounds that kept them safe knew the truth, though. Storm clouds gathered in the distance and this was a time for preparation, time to decide who you were or at least who you wanted to be. Walking to Dumbledore's office seemed to take longer than usual to Draco, the gravity of his thoughts slowing him down. Was he really about to give up the only way of life he'd know? Swap sides? Suddenly it dawned on him that the few times he'd spoken with the headmaster in the past had never been for good reasons, now he wanted a favour, help. Draco wasn't the sort to believe in wishes, but in childish hope, his fingers crossed. ''Bloody gargoyle'' Frustration coated Draco's face after ten minutes of trying to guess the password. Pausing at the door he dragged air into his mouth, needing to breathe, bracing himself.

''Enter if you will'' Dumbledore's steady voice called to him, a trick designed to impress first years but expected a show of omnipresence, their eyes met peering curiously at one another. '' What can I do for you Mr. Malfoy?''

'' I won't waste my time or yours by beating around the bush, I want to join your side.'' While uninvited to do so Draco took a seat, waiting for an onslaught of questions about his sudden change of heart.

'' My side? Mr. Malfoy I'm sure I don't know what you mean.'' The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes said otherwise, suggesting he knew more than he'd ever let on, choosing to see how far down this road Draco would travel.

'' You know exactly what I mean so don't waste my time as I've opted not to waste yours, I'll make it crystal clear to you. War's coming and I don't want to fight for the dark, my family I can't change but my own future I can.'' Draco spoke bluntly, his words possessing the determination of a man instead of belonging to the school boy he dressed as.

'' May I ask what's brought on this sudden change of heart?'' Steel edged seriousness replaced teasing humour in Dumbledore's all-knowing eyes, a wizarding war didn't provoke laughter. He understood the havoc Tom would unleash on their world with his crazed followers, it intrigued him that Draco saw war on the horizon.

'' Does it really matter? Shouldn't it be enough that I'm willing to leave everything behind just to get away from where that life will lead.'' Momentarily desperation hung in the air, revealing that more than the blonde would've liked, he didn't want Dumbledore to know his hopes were pinned on his help.

'' That's exactly why I wish to know why Mr. Malfoy, the choice you're making isn't an easy one, you must've wrestled with it. All I'm asking in return for my protection and good word, which you'll need, is the reason or event that tipped the scales in favour of the light.'' A slight nudge of guilty persuasion would get the answers out of young Malfoy that he wanted, he didn't appreciate secrets unless they belonged to himself.

'' Have it your way headmaster, you already know what and who my family's tied to. I always thought it was all talk, that he-who-shall-not-be-named would never actually return, but I was wrong so very wrong. Recently, the manor's played host to long-lost family members, my dearest aunt, and uncle.'' Draco's face paled when he mentioned them, he'd heard the stories about them like everyone else yet they didn't compare to the reality of living with them.

'' Go on.''

'' There's a good reason they were in Azkaban, they're monsters and so are my parents, I don't know them at all. Over the years I've seen glimpses of their true nature, flashes of cruelty and hatred that lurked in shadows. Finally, I saw them without my rose-tinted glasses. Last Friday my father told me he'd a surprise for me before school started, later that evening I found it, her. A muggle girl bound and gagged, covered in her own blood, left in the centre of our living room as if on display like a piece of art. My surprise being that I got to finish her off, my first kill. Never will I get my father's sick smile or mother's amused cackle out of my mind as that poor girl tried to wiggle away.'' Vomit hit Draco's tongue, causing his body to shudder and his hand reaching to cover his thin-lipped mouth, the memory of her fear still plagued him.

'' That's enough, I've heard enough. You don't need to make yourself sick over the matter.'' Dumbledore's gut feeling told him that the boy already had several times judging from his reaction, he saw true disgust in the boys recollection.

'' You're not going to ask if I killed her or not?'' An eyebrow raised in speculation as if it wasn't a genuine question, everyone over the years assumed the worst of him, why didn't the headmaster?

'' I already know you didn't, you're not a killer Draco, that's why you're sat in my office.'' How could the boy even think I'd consider him that? He'd seen true killers, he'd taught the darkest wizard of all time in his youth, killers don't ask for help to outrun evil they embrace it.

'' What happens now sir?'' Idiot, now you're a good guy and have to start waving your team potter flag.

'' Now you're going to bed, and I'll hear no protests, we can discuss the details later. As of now, I know where you stand and the rest of the order will too, you however still have your sixth year ahead of you for which you need sleep. I'm sending Phineas as we speak to fetch your head of house to me, though, it's vital he be made aware of your situation as soon as possible.'' A glance was cast at the empty picture frame that belonged to the former Black headmaster who travelled to bring Severus to him.

'' But headmaster he's friends with my parents, he's a death eater! '' Anger racing in his veins sent him darting across the room, Professor Snape was the last person he wanted to know, he'd out him as a traitor.

A sly smile tugged at the lips of Dumbledore. ''Actually, he's a very reliable double agent.''

''WHAT?''

'' That'll be all, for now, Draco, I'm sure you can make your own way back to the dungeons.'' He refused to say more on the matter, choosing to save that conversation for a potentially less explosive time. Behind him the door opened with a mind of its own, signalling his exit, shocked by the headmaster's confession he left his office dumbstruck. In the heavy silence that settled upon the room, Dumbledore heard the cogs of his own mind turning, strategies of where to put Draco on his mental chessboard were fought over. Ignoring his conscience questioning his willingness to use students in the fight against evil. The end justifies the means, it has too. That's the only reassurance he could afford himself.

A draft flew around the room, followed by the sound of fluttering robes announcing the arrival of Professor Snape. '' You summoned me, headmaster.''

'' Good evening Severus. Yes, I did, a situation has arisen concerning your godson no less, please sit and I shall explain everything. '' A hand waved towards a chair, the same seat Draco had recently left vacant and still warm from his heated outburst.

'' No I prefer to stand.'' Snape's monotone voice never faltered, nor did his rigid body language as he stood facing Dumbledore, his arms stiff to his body.

'' Perhaps you'd like some tea, maybe a lemon drop?'' Another hand gestured towards an overly large sweet bowl kept handy among the clutter.

'' No, just get on with it.'' Why does the silly old fool insist on wasting my time?

No details were spared in the explanation of Draco's story, though they were not needed as Severus could guess most of them with his first-hand knowledge of the family in question. One incident doesn't make you rush into rash decisions, he knew Draco had seen more than he'd let on over the summer, exactly how much had Draco been witness to? The boy's ballsy, being able to hide your revolt against such people is no easy feat.

'' Brave was he not Severus? To hide plans of what they'd see as betrayal in a manor home to dark wizards.'' Naturally, Dumbledore wondered how he'd managed it, he assumed the boy possessed unmeasurable self-control when nervous and under pressure.

'' You forget headmaster, he's a Malfoy with Black blood, both lines are rather skilled at Occlumency. A useful skill to have if you want your secrets to remain secret, wouldn't you agree?'' Snape bit back, well aware of the headmaster's habit of seeking entry into one's mind without asking, a lazy smile was the only reply on that subject. '' What are your plans for the boy now? I'm assuming you've already formed a rough idea.'' It was a small challenge as if wanting to shield Draco from some of the forthcoming danger he'd placed himself in, if only he'd come to him first he might've been able to spare him from Dumbledore's games.

'' I don't need entry into your mind Severus to know what you're thinking, don't worry he won't be fed to the lions. There's no rush at present to deal with Draco, in fact, I have a few other idea's I'd like to try before I set my plans in stone. '' The next move wasn't ready for playing or sharing, his plans remained his own until ready to put into action.

'' What other idea's do you speak of?'' More cryptic nonsense.

'' They won't affect you, Severus, they're for the student body alone, you don't have to worry about being roped into anything. For now though regarding Draco I wish to keep this between ourselves, people knowing of his alliance wouldn't benefit at present, make sure he's aware of that. Now if you don't I'd rather like to be left alone with my thoughts after such an eventful evening.''

'' As you wish headmaster.'' Snape's robes swished past the closing office door, his footsteps silenced by heavy oak, with a sigh he stilled behind the shut door as he pondered Draco's fate.

So….. What did you think? Feel free to let me know. Kisses xox