Under unspoken orders from his father, Draco joined the Inquisitorial Squad. He liked the part where they tried to get Potter and Weasley into trouble, but that bit was overshadowed heavily by his concern for Hermione. He knew what Umbridge was capable of. As much as Draco wanted to help Hermione, he was afraid Umbridge's favorite weapon, Veritaserum, wasn't reserved for only her enemies.
Professor Snape seemed to have picked up on Draco's anxiety, because he called the boy into his office for a talk.
"Is something upsetting you, Draco? Are you in danger?" asked Professor Snape from across his desk.
Draco looked away. Yes, something was upsetting him. But it would upset his father even more if he found out. On the other hand…
The truth was threatening to burst out of him at any minute. What with his worrying, his lack of sleep, and the fact that the secret had been kept for so long, he was afraid he might let down his guard. And if he even stared at her for a minute too long, the truth might come out, becoming mist in the air and expanding into every nook and cranny, eventually finding his father. Surely if he told one person- just one- then a bit of the burden would be taken off his shoulders.
He looked up at the teacher with pleading eyes and asked, "If I told you, promise you wouldn't tell anyone?"
"Not a soul."
Draco took a deep breath, then said, "I think I'm falling in love…"
"Oh?" Professor Snape said, confused.
Then Draco murmured, "…with Hermione Granger."
Comprehension dawned on Snape, and his eyes went dark. He leaned over the desk, speaking with great urgency.
"Draco, you must listen to me. You need to tell her. Soon. And don't taunt her anymore. Don't make her angry at you- angrier than she must be already. And never- do you hear me? NEVER- call her a Mudblood. Do you understand?"
Draco understood. He understood that if he did these things, his father might go so far as to disown him!
"What do you know about what I'm going through right now? What could you possibly know?" he challenged.
Professor Snape sighed heavily. He just sat there, staring into nothing. That didn't help Draco at all! If anything, it made him feel even worse.
"Thanks a lot," he hissed. Then he picked up his books and left.
That night, Marietta Edgecombe told Umbridge some valuable information.
