In the shadows of the passageway, Hermione did not dare lift the Disillusionment Charm until Draco had put on the Invisibility Cloak and dragged his unbearably heavy steps away. Only then did she release her small hand from over her mouth and let out a long breath.
She leaned against the cold, damp wall of the passageway, her thoughts racing through the darkness as several key words collided endlessly in her mind.
Punishment, sacrifice, an impossible task, two targets, unable to remain at Hogwarts, Snape and Mr. Borgin would provide help...
Lucius had initially wanted Draco to run away, which in itself showed just how dangerous the task was. Draco had made it clear that this was a punishment, tormenting the son to torment the father. That fit Voldemort's cruel nature perfectly.
What kind of task would make a student unable to remain at Hogwarts? A serious violation of the rules? Causing massive destruction? Or... targeting someone at the school?
A terrifying thought surfaced. Hermione was so frightened that she hurriedly covered her mouth again, refusing to let out a sound.
Kill two people, kill two key people... Harry... Dumbledore...
Hermione gasped for breath, then quickly rejected that horrifying possibility.
Voldemort's obsession with Harry stemmed from that prophecy, from the "destiny" he believed in without question.
With his superstition and obsession regarding prophecies, would he so easily leave the chance to personally finish off his archenemy in someone else's hands? He would certainly want to do it himself, shatter the prophecy, and completely take control of his own fate.
Likewise, Voldemort longed to defeat Dumbledore to prove himself. Sending Draco to assassinate Dumbledore not only had little chance of success, it would also be a desecration—something that did not suit Voldemort's twisted pride.
Hermione suddenly sucked in a sharp breath.