A Potion of Faith

The atmosphere at Hogwarts had darkened. Rumors of Voldemort's growing power swept through the school, and tension gripped every student, especially those whose families had ties to either side of the war. Hermione noticed that Draco was becoming more withdrawn, his usual smugness replaced by something far more unsettling: fear.

The Order of the Phoenix had been actively recruiting, and Hermione found herself spending her nights at secret meetings, planning strategies and discussing the coming battle. But every time she saw Draco—whether in the hallways, during classes, or in the common areas—there was a gnawing sensation in her chest.

Something was wrong.

One evening, as she made her way to the library, she caught sight of Draco slipping through the corridors, heading toward the Room of Requirement. Instinctively, she followed.

When she entered the room, she found Draco standing there, staring at the large, enchanted mirror in the center of the room. His reflection flickered between two versions of himself: one wearing the mask of a Death Eater, the other a young boy, terrified of what was to come.

"Draco?" Hermione's voice broke the silence.

Draco tensed but didn't turn around. "You shouldn't be here, Hermione."

"I could say the same to you," Hermione said softly, stepping closer. "What's going on?"

Draco's shoulders sagged. "You don't understand. You couldn't."

"Then help me understand," she urged.

Finally, Draco turned to face her, his expression haunted. "I don't have a choice, Hermione. My family—my father—they expect me to join him. To join... the Dark Lord."

Hermione's heart sank. She had suspected it, but hearing it out loud made it all too real. "You always have a choice, Draco. Its just that some people take the wrong ones."

Draco shook his head bitterly, laughing. "Not when your family's life is on the line. I'm not like you, Granger. I'm not brave enough."

Hermione reached out, gently touching his arm. "You are, Draco. You're stronger than you think."

But Draco pulled away, his eyes filled with guilt. "You shouldn't waste your time on me. When the time comes, I'll be on the wrong side."

Hermione's heart ached as she watched him walk away, the weight of the impending war pressing down on both of them.

Despite knowing that what he was doing was wrong and feeling heartbroken for Hermione, he had to follow his family's instructions.