Chapter 8
...
...
"What are you doing here?"
He was terrified. Worse, her appearance seemed to shatter him like the glass.
His already pale face whitened. Combined with his sheek hair, he looked almost translucent, like a ghost. At first he stared, unable to comprehend how or why she was there. Then, his eyes blinked once. And again. And again. With each blink, he seemed to fade away.
Malinda swallowed, feeling a lump build in her throat. It was painful to see someone so scared, lost and… and broken. It was one thing to read about it in the books and see in the movies, but it was something else to see it for yourself. This was the boy she'd come to help. She'd wasted enough time being selfish, focusing on herself and enjoying this world too much. It was time to help.
"What are you doing here?!" Draco screamed. A blast of magic exploded from him, shattering the remaining glass fixtures and sending the dust shards flying away.
He trembled in place, staring. "You… You can't be here. You can't know. No one is supposed to know."
"I'm here to help you Draco," she said gently. "No one should carry this burden alone."
"You can't know!" He shouted, spit flying. "He'll kill her. Oh Merlin, he's going to kill her now. I've failed. She's… she's dead."
He collapsed then, collapsing onto the ground. Draco's blond, uncut hair shadowed his face as he began to cry quietly.
"Your mother is strong," Malinda said and slowly approached. When Draco said nothing, she tucked the wands away murmured, "He won't kill her. He won't kill you either."
His shoulders shook as he silently cried. Malinda's eyes burned as she fought the urge to cry herself. Because when she saw Draco, curled into himself, she didn't see him. She saw herself. How many times had she cried herself to sleep? How many times had she hated herself and her life? How many times was she scared and felt like she was alone in the world?
Too many times.
Malinda bent down and wrapped her arms around Draco. "It's going to be alright. You're safe and your mother will be too."
"He'll kill her if I fail."
"Fail? Draco, whatever it is, I can help."
"NO! I have to do this myself!"
The air around them grew heavy with unchecked magic. Malinda pressed closer to Draco, "You don't have to do anything alone. There's nothing wrong with getting some help."
"And you're here to help, are you?" He sneered.
"Of course, that's what friends are for."
Draco said nothing, his shaky sobs continuing. For the first minute, she simply held him and waited. She was surprised when he let her hold him. When he still didn't push her away, she tried again. "Whatever it is, I'll help you. I'm not going to sit back and watch you struggle. Just let me help you."
His sobs subsided and Draco began to pull away. She let him go, watching as he grabbed his tie and stood up. He kept his back to her, wiping at his face. He took a deep breath, collecting himself, and turned silently. He faced her, his eyes puffy and face still raw and blotchy from his fit. Despite all this, his expression was hard as he held out a hand and said quietly, "My wand."
Malinda rose, steadying herself and countered, "First, tell me what's going on."
His jaw muscles clenched. "My wand, Selwyn."
"I've followed you here before," she lied. "I saw you messing with that and I did some research. It's a vanishing cabinet-"
"GIVE ME MY WAND!"
Malinda flicked her wrist and Draco froze in place. His red eyes darted furiously, caught by the Petrificus Totalus spell. Thanks to her extra lessons, wandless magic was becoming easier and easier these days. It was becoming easier and easier with practice.
"Who are you trying to sneak into the castle?" Malinda continued. She approached the vanishing cabinet, Draco's eyes following her every move. She touched the wood, murmuring, "I've been giving it a lot of thought. You sneak away for hours on end to work on it. You seem scared out of your wits to fail. It wasn't hard to realize that it was him. Voldemort."
She glanced at Draco, seeing his eyes widen as much as they could against the spell. "I'm right then, aren't I? Voldemort needs you to fix the vanishing cabinet. Is he trying to come himself or send other death eaters? And what's his goal? Attack the castle to send a message or kill someone?"
Malinda frowned and approached Draco. "I don't know the answers to those questions, but I do know that you're scared. That you need help and whatever the answers are, I want to help you. My family is powerful and wealthy, we have connections that aren't influenced by Voldemort. We can help you! But you have to let me."
His eyes seemed to burn through her.
She reached into her pocket, withdrawing his wand. She placed it on the ground at his feet and said, "The spell will wear off in a few minutes. Think about my offer Draco. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I've kept your secret this long, haven't I?"
Draco kept his eyes forward, refusing to look at her. She was scared, scared that he would reject her. Why had Merlin sent her of all people to help him? She wasn't smart enough to do this. What if she'd just blown it? What if Draco never spoke to her again?
Well, shit.
Malinda forced herself to breathe. Deep breath in, deep breath out. She couldn't lose her head now. As she exited the Room of Requirement, she paused and thought on where to go. The hallway was empty now, no doubt Filch already patrolled, looking for students just like her.
"Dobby?" she called out, hoping the elf would hear her.
He did not disappoint her. A few seconds later, Dobby appeared. "Miss Malinda called? How may I help?" The elf's cheery demeanor faltered when he took in her expression. "Are you alright, miss?"
"Hi Dobby," she smiled tiredly. "Just been a long day. How are you? Things going well in the kitchens?"
"Oh yes! Dobby is now responsible for baking breads."
"Sounds like a promotion?" Malinda had no idea how the house elves were structured.
He beamed, "It is!"
"Hell yeah then," she nodded. "Congratulations. Listen, would you do me a favor? Would you ask for Professor Snape to come to the headmaster's office?"
Dobby eyes widened, "Now?"
"Yes, it's urgent."
"Yes, then miss," Dobby snapped his fingers and disappeared.
Left alone, Malinda wasted no time. Draco would be free soon and she didn't need to be around for that. He needed time to think, to make a decision and hopefully, decide not to target her. But she knew what it felt to be isolated, alone, and scared. If she was right, he'd eventually see her as an ally.
Hopefully.
Malinda slipped her heels off, holding them in her hand as she quickly made her way through the familiar corridors. It would have been nice to have the invisibility cloak, but even if she was caught, nothing would happen. Still, no need to complicate things by upsetting Filch. The real life squib was about as pleasant as his movie portrayal.
Thankfully, she arrived at the headmaster's office without issue. Whispering the password, she stepped onto the moving platform and rose. She'd done this at least a hundred times now, but still, her stomach filled with butterflies. How many times had she dreamed about this? Rising like Harry into the wondrous office of Albus Dumbledore…
The office was empty, the soft sounds of magical trinkets and tools filling the air. A portrait from above let out a snore and Malinda slipped her heels on again. The shoes clicked as she walked forward, taking her usual place in the left guest chair. She didn't wait long. About twenty seconds later, a door opened and Albus appeared from his personal chambers.
"Ah, good evening Malinda," the headmaster greeted. He wore casual robes but the goblet he carried was ornate, jewels shining from its brim.
"Hello," she waved. "Sorry to bother you so late."
"Never a bother," he said pleasantly as he reached the bottom of the stairs and took his seat. Malinda examined him and grinned. She knew what his rosey cheeks meant.
Amusedly, she commented, "Looks like you have a nice drink there, sir."
"With our lesson cancelled tonight, I was enjoying a nice bottle of wine from a veela winery in France. But I'm sure whatever you have to share is worth the interruption."
"Veela made wine?" her eyebrows rose. "That just sounds dangerous."
"It's quite delicious," Albus smiled. "I would offer you a glass, but you're not of legal age quite yet."
"Actually," she lifted a finger. "By wizard standards, I was of age two years ago."
Albus opened his mouth to protest but she cheekily added, "Plus, I basically saved your life so you owe me."
The veela drink must have truly been potent because the normally collected wizard let out a hearty laugh. He was still chuckling as the door opened and Severus joined them.
He still wore his black robes and they billowed behind him, making his entrance dramatic as ever. Malinda tilted her head, "This is an odd question, but do you charm your robes to do that?"
"Do what?" Severus questioned, his voice flat as he strode across the room. As he sat down, his robes again moved with a grand flourish.
"That!" she pointed at his clothes.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Severus glanced at the headmaster, then his eyes moved to the goblet. "Enjoying a late drink, I see."
"It's rare to have my evening hours free," Albus said, his chuckles relaxing into a smile.
"Indeed, I am eager to know why an elf interrupted my brew so late," Severus said in an accusatory tone, his eyes moving to Malinda.
She licked her lips and said, "So…"
"This cannot be good," Severus muttered.
"After Slughorn's dinner tonight, I went to the Room of Requirement. Draco was there." She paused and then admitted, "He may or may not have had an emotional breakdown when I confronted him."
"You WHAT?"
"I had no choice!" she snapped, "He was never going to let me in- You don't know how far gone he was. He-"
"-Is my godson," Severus cut her off. "I know him much better than a girl from another world!"
"He doesn't speak to anyone, not even Pansy or Blaise. It's so bad that Crabbe and Goyle don't even try to follow him around anymore. He was a complete dick to anyone who tried to help in the beginning, so they've given up. They're all scared. They don't know how to handle what's happening to their families. Draco thinks his mother's life is in his hands- It's too much pressure!"
"Your mistake may have just cost us-"
"I disagree, Severus," Albus set his goblet down, his expression quite serious now. "This may prove to be the catalyst we've been waiting for. Malinda is correct, there was no progress with Draco. Perhaps by inserting herself into his situation, he will not only tolerate her, but embrace her help."
"Draco is as stubborn as his foolish father," the potions master shook his head, his dark hair falling out of place. With an irritated flick he moved the strands out of his face. "If the boy will not listen to me, he certainly won't listen to a transfer student he doesn't know or trust."
"Maybe that's exactly what he needs though," Malinda argued. "Someone new, without the bias of knowing him and his family. He thinks you're a loyal death eater. Of course he's scared to let you in, because for all he knows, you would hand him to Voldemort directly if he failed."
"How did he react?" Albus questioned, "To your arrival?"
"He was terrified," she sighed and rubbed her temple. "It… It was so much worse than I thought. He just cried and said he failed, that Voldemort would kill his mother. After he calmed down though, he just asked for his wand. He wouldn't answer me when I offered my help, so I told him to think about it."
"And?" Severus sneered, "Did he seem open to the idea?"
She gave him a tired look, "Not exactly, but he didn't reject it either. I sort of… Well, I froze him in place and left him there."
Silence fell.
"He's going to either kill you himself or tell others who will kill you," Severus stood and paced. "You've exposed yourself too soon! He wasn't ready. He won't-"
"He cried in front of her," Albus commented. "That is no small detail. We both know how hard it is for a teenage boy to cry, let alone in front of a classmate."
"Who cares if the boy cried?!"
"Well, he also-" Malinda stopped, feeling a little embarrassed.
Albus leaned forward, "He what?"
"He let me hug him," Malinda said quickly, feeling her cheeks warm. "I know it sounds stupid, but I think that's a big step, right? Purebloods are so formal and distant. I barely see any of the Slytherin boys ever rough house. Aside from snogging, don't see many of the boys ever hugging the girls either. But he just let me hold him as he cried. I think… I think he just needs a friend right now."
When neither of the wizards spoke, Malinda sank in her chair. "Oh, it does sound stupid."
"That," Severus sat back down and he sounded thoughtful, "is surprisingly not stupid. Unless I'm mistaken, I believe that only Narcissa has ever hugged Draco. The fact he allowed you to do so means, well, perhaps this is what he needed."
"Kindness and love are powerful, especially in dark times," Albus murmured and stood. "Let us see what young Draco does now. You must be gentle with him, Malinda. He will be far beyond his comfort zone. It will not be easy for him to forsake everything he knows and understands."
"I know," she stood as well. "I'll try."
…
…
For the first time since term began, Malinda allowed herself to sleep in. She woke at her usual time, glanced around at her sleeping roommates, saw the light flurry of snow against the window, and rolled right back over. It was Saturday and there were no classes today. Most students would likely skip breakfast, waiting for lunch and the Quidditch match.
When she did wake, Daphne lay in her bed with a book, still in her pajamas. The other girls were gone, their beds made and things neatly organized, as proper Pureblood ladies did.
"Morning," Malinda yawned and stretched.
"Good morning," Daphne smirked. "You have some drool there."
When Malinda lifted her hand to her mouth, she wiped away the wet. "Oof, must have slept hard."
"You did," her friend confirmed. "We had to put a silencing charm for your snores."
"Sorry," Malinda slipped out of bed, wincing when her feet briefly touched the cold stone floor. "Where is everyone?"
"In the Common Room. Warren made some Weasley Stinks badges for the match. They're trying to figure out how to transfigurate them into banners."
Malinda rolled her eyes, wrapping herself into a blanket and tucking her feet into slippers. She walked to the window and looked out. The Slytherin Common Room was below the lake, but the dorms were just above ground level. While they didn't have the grand views from the towers, the vast expanse of the lake so close by was still breathtaking. Snow covered the ground, the lake's surface was almost still as ice began to settle over it.
"I hope it snows for Hogsmeade next weekend too," Daphne murmured as she joined Malinda. "It's nice to walk through fresh powder."
"It'll snow."
"How do you know?"
"Blaise didn't tell you? I'm a seer," Malinda winked.
Daphne scoffed, "Is that so? Who is going to win the game today then?"
"Let me consult the spirits!" Malinda put her hands to her eyes, curling her fingers so they made the shape of large glasses. "Ah yes," she said in a voice like Trelawney, "I hear them now. They speak to me! They say… That we're screwed. Gryffindor is going to win."
"Oh Merlin," Daphne laughed. "You're an awful seer then. Blaise says that Weasley is rubbish. He went to watch the tryouts and Weasley could barely stay on his broom. The only reason he got keeper is because McLaggen missed his last few saves."
"Fine, don't listen to me. But I already bet that Gryffindor wins."
"Who bets against their own house?"
"I'm not betting to win loyalty. I'm betting to make money!"
They took their time showering and getting dressed. Daphne dried their hair magically and they made sure to charm their hat and gloves for warmth. By the time they headed down to the common room, only a few students remained.
Blaise and Clare waved as they arrived.
"The giant awakens," Clare beamed.
"Giant?"
"Apparently you snore like them," Blaise smirked. "How attractive."
"I'm sure you're no sleeping beauty either," she accused.
He frowned at her.
"Anyways! What's this I hear about Warren making badges?"
Clare filled them in as they walked to the Great Hall. It was buzzing with excited students, all dressed in support of their preferred team. To no one's surprise, both Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw donned red and gold. The only students in green sat at the Slytherin table.
Malinda peeked at the Gryffindor table, finding Ron sitting with his sister, Harry and Hermoine. He looked nervous, his back hunched and eyes staring off at nothing. Soon, Harry would pretend to give him the liquid luck and Ron would become the hero of the match. The thought made her smirk and almost sensing her amusement, Hermoine's eyes snapped up. The two young women stared at each other for a long moment, before Malinda's attention was diverted.
Draco sat by himself.
She cautiously walked with the others past him. They ignored him, accustomed to his self-isolation, and took their seats farther down the table. But he didn't react. He didn't even seem to register her presence as he gazed down at the table, his blue eyes just as lost as Ron's.
Well, at least he wasn't cursing her.
"Did you place a bet then, Selwyn?" Blaise asked.
"Yes."
"Good, I look forward to taking your money again."
Malinda hesitated, then threw her head back and laughed loudly. A few Hufflepuffs behind Blaise stopped to look over. Her laughter only intensified though, making her friends uncomfortable.
"What?" Blaise rose an elegant eyebrow. "What did I say?"
"You won't be taking my money," Malinda beamed. "I had a vision."
"What?" Clare said.
"Apparently Blaise thought she was a seer," Daphne explained. "Which we know is wrong. How many galleons did you lose in the last match?"
"Not important," Malinda waved the question away. She focused on Blaise. "I bet Gryffindor will win."
"Traitor. I bet we would win."
"Confident are you?"
He snorted, "If you saw the weasel's pathetic try out, you'd be betting my way."
"Let's raise the stakes. Double the bet."
"Bold words," he crossed his arms. "What makes you so confident?"
"She consulted the spirits and channeled her inner-Trelawney," Daphne quipped.
Malinda nodded, "Exactly."
"Fine," Blaise held out his hand. "Winner takes double."
She shook his hand firmly. "Done."
