Thank you katchile94 and writeme516 for the reviews! Sorry for the long wait, life got a little busy.
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Chapter 17
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On New Year's Eve, Malinda slept in. A small gift to herself after a week of unforgiving training with Dumbledore. He ran her ragged, her magic pushed and pushed until she collapsed each night exhausted, feeling drained. Sometimes Snape joined them, forcing her to learn defense and offense with multiple attackers. They taught her advanced defensive and attack spells, teaching her curses and blows that made her wonder if J.K. Rowling had ever imagined such viciousness in magic. While Dumbledore had a gentle demeanor in the books, she truly understood why Voldemort feared him above all else. It was no wonder Dumbledore was called the greatest wizard since Merlin. It was no wonder Snape trusted him to guard his double agent secret.
The old bloke could be a savage brute.
The training was painful and awful, but it was all at her request though. Malinda couldn't stand to sit around and wait, not when she had put a price on Hermione's head and pissed off Voldemort so severely. Not when Draco's safety depended on her and coming up with a solid plan. Not when she felt the world's weight on her shoulders… because in a twisted, fucked up way, it actually was on her.
When she woke, light made her eyes open slowly. She stretched lazily, her body still weary from exerting massive amounts of magic. But she felt good. She felt strong. The same way your muscles felt sore after a workout, but you knew you were better for it.
As she made her way to the bathroom, Malinda glanced out her window and found the castle and its grounds covered in a fresh layer of snow. A small group of younger students worked together outside making a snowman. She paused, watching them for a moment with a sad smile before moving on.
After freshening up, Malinda opened her trunk and eagerly moved her warm clothes out of the way. There might be snow outside, but she wouldn't be anywhere near it today. She dressed in her beach attire, packing a large bag before throwing Dumbledore's invisibility cloak over her. She all but ran to the headmaster's office, bouncing impatiently as the stairs rotated upwards. When she burst through the door, Dumbledore already stood waiting, his arm outstretched with a smile.
"You'll overheat in that," Malinda skipped towards him, noting his long-sleeved velvet wizard robe. "Velvet is totally not in season right now in Jamaica."
His smile twitched. "I considered joining you today, but alas, there is much to be done here."
"But it's a holiday!"
"It is and I'll leave you to enjoy it for the both of us." He patted her hand when she took his arm. Then, they were gone. Despite the long distance, Malinda barely felt them pass through space and simply blinked when they were suddenly surrounded by hot air. Seagulls flew above them and she looked down, finding her sandals on asphalt instead of stone.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Dumbledore said with a wistful sigh before disappearing.
Malinda slowly put on her sunglasses and looked around. She was in Jamaica. She was in bloody Jamaica! "I love magic," she murmured before stepping out of the side street and onto the main road. Muggles passed by her, completely unaware that she had just left Scotland a few seconds ago. Most were tourists, enjoying the sunny day and shopping in town. Malinda looked both ways before crossing the road and walking up the driveway into a posh hotel. The lobby was beautiful, full of glass windows and walls that revealed an impressive pool and the beach just beyond it.
The clerk gave her an odd look but said nothing, accepting her fake ID upon check in. With a room key in hand, Malinda walked out to the pool and glanced around. There were plenty of chairs available, but why lay by the pool when the Caribbean beach was literally right there? She grinned widely, her heart soaring as she walked onto the beach. As she walked, hot sand slipped onto her sandals and between her toes.
It was a glorious change from Scotland.
Malinda plopped down onto one of the hotel's lounge chairs, ordered a drink from a server and for the first time since arriving at Hogwarts, she truly relaxed.
…
…
"Malinda?"
Opening her eyes, Malinda found herself looking up at a surprised Hermione Granger, The Caribbean sun had done the normally pale girl good, her skin tanned with a healthy layer of oily sunscreen on. "Hey," Malinda lifted herself up, her back sweaty from absorbing the sun rays.
"You're actually here," Hermoine let out a soft laugh. "I didn't think you'd show up."
"Needed a real tan. And a break."
"When did you arrive?"
"A couple of hours ago," she twisted in her chair and sat right-side-up. "How's your holiday been?"
"Wonderful," Hermione sat down on the chair beside her and pointed to a couple not far away. "My parents. They love it here."
"Oof," Malinda winced, "Your dad has a wicked sunburn there."
"Mum is furious with him, she warns him every ten minutes to put sunscreen on," Hermione shook her head then sobered slightly. "How's it back home? Did the polyjuice work?"
Dread filled Malinda. It must've shown on her face because the Gryffindor leaned forward, her expression growing serious. "What happened?"
"Well," Malinda licked her dry lips. "There's good new and bad news. First, everyone is okay but when the Death Eaters attacked the Burrow-"
Hermione gasped.
"Dumbledore and I were there to stop it. In the original timeline, they burn it to the ground and nearly capture Harry because he's an idiot and goes out to fight them-"
"Sounds about right. But you stopped him?"
"I locked him, Ron and Ginny inside actually. Dumbledore killed one, I nearly killed Belatrix and Greyback but they got away."
"That's great," Hermione frowned. "So what's the bad news?"
"The bad news is I looked like you when I burned them with fiendfyre and Voldemort wasn't too happy about it."
To her surprise, the witch seemed less concerned with Voldemort when she asked, "You used fiendfyre? That's powerful magic! It's dangerous!"
"Yeah," Malinda waved this off and stressed, "Voldemort is angry with you. Hermione, I'm sorry, but… He's put a bounty on your head. I think it's time your parents go to Australia. I'm so sorry."
She waited, expecting and deserving to be yelled at. Her hero was going to lose her parents, hopefully temporarily, but perhaps forever. Her hero was in danger because of her. Malinda lowered her eyes, "You have every right to hate me-"
"Hate you?" Hermione cut her off. "I don't hate you. We knew it was going to happen eventually. You saved the Burrow and if that means I send them now, instead of later, that's… alright. I feel better about doing it, knowing it'll work."
"But there's a reward for your head!"
Hermione shrugged- she actually shrugged. "I've known for years that Voldemort would target me. Ron and I know what it means to be Harry's best friends. We know what the risks are."
"Well shit," Malinda adjusted her sunglasses. "You're taking this much better than I did."
"What else happened? Surely Voldemort did more than just announce a bounty."
"He's moved into Malfoy Manor. He was always supposed to do that, but I guess I pissed him off enough to push up the deadline."
There was a long silence before Hermione sat back. "That's awful. Poor Draco."
Malinda gave the other girl a dubious look. "You feel bad for him?"
"Of course," the witch admitted. "He's a complete prat, no matter what you say, but having the most powerful dark wizard living in your home can't be good."
"It's actually why he and his parents eventually turn. They realize they've let a monster in."
"Is the Order aware? If the timeline has moved up-"
"Yes, we're making preparations."
"You and Dumbledore, you mean?"
"Yes."
"Good."
They sat together, listening to the sounds of the waves crashing onto the sand. Hermione stood and nodded towards the hotel. "We're having dinner at six. You should join us."
"Uh, really?"
"My parents... " Hermione's voice cracked, revealing the turmoil she really felt. "My parents always enjoy meeting other people from the wizarding world. I tell them stories, but they rarely get a chance to meet the people I talk about."
"And you've talked about me?"
"Of course."
"... Like in good terms?"
Hermione laughed outright. "Yes, actually."
"Oh," Malinda nodded. "Alright. I'll meet you at the restaurant then. Thanks."
"See you later." Hermione waved and went to join her parents. Malinda watched her, excitement buzzing in her. It was such a damn shame that she couldn't have joined Gryffindor. She could've been best friends with the brightest witch of the age. All those years of daydreaming about being a witch and sharing a room with the one-and-only Hermione Granger could have become reality. But there were more important things to care about and for now, dinner was more than enough.
She spent the next couple of hours lounging, watching the Granger family enjoy their time together. Her throat tightened when she saw Mr. Granger cry out in pain as Mrs. Granger forcefully applied another layer of sunscreen on his painfully burnt back, all while Hermione watched on laughing. They were a lovely family and soon, they'd be separated. Malinda quickly gathered her things and went to her room to shower and change.
Two minutes to six, she was downstairs in the lobby. She pulled on her sundress, feeling odd when just that morning she'd been wearing flannel pajamas in a cold castle.
"Hi Malinda."
The Grangers arrived and Hermione made introductions as they approached the restaurant host. As they were shown to their table, Mrs. Granger beamed, "It's so exciting to meet another witch."
"She's always going on about Ron and Harry," Mr. Granger made a face as he settled into his chair, careful to keep his burnt back from touching. "Nice to know other girls actually attend Hogwarts. You two share a dorm then?"
"Uh, no I'm actually not in Gryffindor."
"Ravenclaw?" Mrs. Granger guessed. "Hermione tells us you've nearly caught up to her in school marks."
"No, I'm in Slytherin."
"Oh," Mrs. Granger failed to hide her wince before forcing a smile. "How nice."
"Nice?" Mr. Granger turned to look at his daughter, "How many times have you told us that Slytherin is where those blood elite rich brats go?"
"Dad!" Hermione hissed.
"Michael!" Mrs. Granger exclaimed at the same time, looking positively embarrassed. "Don't be so rude! I'm so sorry, dear. He didn't mean-"
"Actually," Malinda grinned. "He's pretty spot on. Most of my classmates are rich heirs who have backwards views. Thankfully, there's a few of us who break the stereotype."
Desperate to change the subject, Mrs. Granger asked, "So Hermione tells us you're familiar with our world? Your family has done some charity work with dentists in the past?"
Malinda had spent most of her shower deciding how to answer this very question. She could lie, keeping to her new identity, but somehow lying to the Grangers didn't feel right. Not when Hermione had been her fictional best friend growing up. Not when they were ordinary Muggles just like her. Not when the truth was so aligned to their family and world.
So she decided to tell the truth.
"Actually, I didn't know my parents," Malinda said in a carefully neutral tone. People always reacted with pity when she explained. "My birth mother wasn't fit and there wasn't a father listed on my birth certificate. I was raised in the Muggle foster system."
"Until you found out you were a witch?"
"Yes, then I came to Hogwarts."
"But I thought you just started this year?"
"I wasn't aware of magic until this past summer," Malinda said, giving Hermione a secret smile.
The Gryffindor was watching her with eyes full of emotion. She explained softly to her parents, "For most wizards and witches, their magic manifests during childhood. It's rare for it to show later, but possible."
"Right," Malinda nodded. She wasn't sure if that was even true, but it seemed to appease Mrs. Granger's confusion.
"I knew you were a Muggle but… You didn't mention the foster part." Hermione sat back in her chair, considering her. "I'm sorry."
"Just makes Hogwarts even more special. I feel like I finally found the home I was always looking for."
"You sound like Harry."
"I know."
"Does Draco know?"
"Only Dumbledore and Snape know the truth," Malinda paused. "Well, now you three as well."
"Why keep it a secret?"
"Do you really think that a Muggleborn witch who just came into her powers and didn't even know Lumos last year would have survived in Slytherin? Or befriend Draco?"
Hemione leaned back, nodding tightly. "I understand."
"Draco?" Mr. Granger gave his daughter a frown. "She's friends with that Malfoy bully?"
"Hush," Mrs. Granger snapped at her husband then reached across the table, resting her hand over Malinda's. "No wonder Hermione has spoken so highly of you."
"Oh," Malinda blinked in surprise. "Thanks but it's not as awful as you might think. I've made some good friends there. Sometimes Slytherins are judged too harshly."
"Don't tell Harry that," Hermione muttered.
Malinda cleared her throat and asked, "How have you enjoyed your holiday?"
"It's been wonderful," Mrs. Granger jumped on the chance to change the topic and withdrew her hand. "We've never been to the Caribbean before and it's been years since we took time off work. Hermione says you just arrived today. Who are you here with, dear?"
"I actually came with Professor Dumbledore but he was called away."
"You went on holiday with the headmaster?" Mr. Granger sounded scandalized.
"Oh that does sound bad," Malinda chuckled. "No. I didn't want to go back to my Muggle foster family so I've been hiding out in Hogwarts. Dumbledore knew Hermione would be here and I was dying to get out of the castle for the holiday, so he brought me here where I'd have someone close by in case of emergency."
Mr. Granger relaxed, "Ah. I see. But why are you hiding?"
"Everyone thinks she's a rich pureblood, they expect her to be on a posh holiday. It wouldn't make sense for her to stay over the holiday," Hermione answered smoothly. "Dumbledore asked if I would mind her joining us at the hotel today. You know how hard it is to be a Muggleborn… I can't imagine being one in Slytherin so of course I told him it was alright."
"Thanks," Malinda said, grateful for the improvised backup.
"Of course it's alright," Mrs. Granger nodded enthusiastically.
The rest of dinner was pleasant, with Mr. Granger relaxing as it became clear that Malinda was just as Muggle as them. He especially warmed when Malinda agreed how utterly absurd it was that owls flew around the country, in all sorts of weather, carrying mail and somehow knew where recipients were at any given time.
"Okay, hear me out," he leaned forward intensely. "Wizards use owls to send mail but they can literally travel instantaneously? How does that make sense? Why not just send mail through a portal-"
"It's not a portal," Hermione immediately corrected. "Apparation is like teleportation-"
"Well, why not apparate your mail then?" Mr. Granger challenged, clearly accustomed to his daughter correcting him and not missing a beat. "But no, they use bloody owls to travel hundreds of miles and somehow, we Muggles with our telephones and instant communication are inferior?"
"Just wait until FaceTime."
"What?"
"Uh, nevermind. And what about using ink quills instead of pens?" Malinda scoffed. "It's ridiculous. I miss a good ball point pen."
"Exactly!" Mr. Granger exclaimed. "We thought Hermione's Year One school supply list was a joke."
"Or how is there a potion to grow Harry's bones back but he still has glasses?" Malinda pointed out. "Guess wizards haven't discovered lasik surgery yet?"
"Exactly!" Mr. Granger tapped the table triumphantly. "Exactly my point."
"We're all new to magic," his wife said with a chuckle. "I suppose it'll take time to learn all the answers. Malinda, now that we know you're here alone, would you like to join us for fireworks tonight?"
"I wouldn't want to intrude."
"You wouldn't be!"
"How about breakfast instead?"
"Perfect. We have a snorkeling appointment afterwards too, I'm sure they can add one more."
"Thanks for the invitation. I'm afraid I can only join for breakfast, Dumbledore will be picking me up shortly after."
As they left the restaurant, Hermione motioned to Malinda to stay behind. When her parents walked ahead and out of earshot, she announced, "I'm wiping their memories before breakfast. Do you think Dumbledore can apparate with both of us?"
"Tomorrow?" Malinda's eyes widened. "Wait, no, that's too soon. Enjoy the New Year with them! Wait until holiday ends and-"
"If I don't do it soon, I'm afraid I'll lose my nerve. Besides, I'd rather have someone with me when I do it. I might make a mistake."
"You're not going to mess up, you're brilliant and-" Malinda stopped. "Wait, what do you mean have someone with you?"
"Come by our room tomorrow at seven. I don't want to be alone when it's time."
"But-"
Hermione's eyes were dangerously glossy as she whispered, "Please."
Malinda inhaled deeply. "Okay, I'll be there."
The Gryffindor moved away then hesitated. "By the way, what's FaceTime?"
"Comes in the future, it's basically a phone call but with cameras on your phone too so you can see each other."
"Oh, that'll be nice."
A smile grew on Malinda's face. "You just gave me an idea."
"What?"
"You'll see tomorrow," Malinda waved her off. "Go. Go spend time with your family and… I'm so sorry Hermione."
"It was going to happen no matter what. I'm just glad they got to meet you before- Well, before they go. Happy New Year Mal."
The nickname made Malinda's own eyes water. "Happy Near Year."
When the Grangers walked off, she headed to the elevators and rode up. She was overly excited to just sit in her room and watch television. Despite it being terrible 1990s quality, watching T.V. was an exciting event after months in the wizarding world. She unlocked her door and burst into the room.
Malinda felt his presence before she saw him and before she even thought about reaching for her wand, her magic flared and the intruder was thrown against the wall.
A grunt came then a dry voice said, "Seems like our training has not been a waste of time."
Instantly Malinda let her magic dissipate, but adrenaline pumped through her.. "Are you crazy? I could've hurt you!"
Severus Snape landed on his feet and adjusted his black dress robes. It was odd to see him dressed so formally. She'd never, not once, seen him in anything but his traditional black brewing robes. The potions master gave her a hard look. "Next time try to knock an intruder unconscious. If I'd wanted, I still could've cast a spell from the wall."
"Noted. Now why the hell are you in my hotel room? In Jamaica?!"
"Dumbledore brought me but we need to return immediately."
"What? Why?" Panic kept her adrenaline strong and the small room suddenly felt thick with magic. "What happened? Is Dumbledore hurt? What-"
"Enough." Severus lifted a hand, effectively silencing her. "My foolish godson attempted to make contact with you. If I hadn't intercepted the message, he would be dead."
"WHAT?"
"Come," Severus held out an arm expectedly. "We must go before the Dark Lord notices my absence."
She had so many questions. Why had Draco reached out? What did he have to say? How had Snape found out? Where was Snape supposed to be right now? The questions burned on the tip of her tongue, but she held them back. Answers would come. Malinda stepped forward and took his arm, "Alright, let's go."
Nothing happened.
She waited a couple more seconds before frowning, "Aren't you going to apparate us back?"
Suddenly, Severus looked uncomfortable. "I'm afraid my magical abilities do not allow cross-continental apparition."
"So how are we getting back?"
Silence.
Then, it clicked. Malinda tried to withdraw as she shook her head, "Nope. No way, I can't go that far!"
But Severus held firm.
"Seriously? You are joking, right?"
"Dumbledore is attending to other matters. You will need to apparate us back."
"Okay, even if I could, wouldn't the underage magic alert the Ministry? What about the Jamaican magical authorities? What-"
"The headmaster did not want to tell you until necessary, but you are immune to the underage tracker."
"What? But I'm sixteen."
"Yes, but you are not of this world. The Ministry has no record of you, there is no you to track."
She let the words sink in. "So you mean to tell me that I could've been apparating myself this whole time?!"
"Yes, at any time in fact. It is thought that only the headmaster may apparate on castle grounds, but you have proven to be the exception to even that rule."
"He said he lifted the anti-apparition charm in his office for our lessons though."
"Clearly, a lie."
"Damn."
"Now, apparate us to the Shrieking Shack."
"Now?"
He stared at her.
"Fine," Malinda's pride flared. She stood up straight and concentrated. It had taken her days of practice to master apparition and even then, she'd only gone Hogwarts to London. To travel across an ocean was beyond her capabilities-
"Stop doubting yourself," her companion snapped. "You have Merlin's magic in you."
"But it's so far."
"If you wanted, you could apparate us to the other side of the world. An ocean is nothing."
"What…" She shuddered, "What if I mess up? What if you get splinched or-"
"That won't happen."
Severus was one of the bravest (although grouchy) wizards in history and he had complete and total faith in her. It was the confidence boost she needed. "Alright," she said and focused again. It was no different than before. It was just like last time, except her departure location was a little farther away. No big deal.
With a pop, they were gone and the familiar feeling of being twisted and pulled came. A moment later, it was over and they popped back into existence. The pair stood, safe and sound, in the familiar ruined building. Gaps in the roof and walls had let snow in and the night was quiet, the new year only a couple of hours away.
"Holy shit," Malinda whispered, her breath visible in the cold. "I did it."
Okay, this was actually a big deal.
"Congratulations," Severus offered sarcastically. "Now, it's my turn."
Before she could ask, they were apparating again and this time, they arrived in a location unfamiliar to her. It was a small room, books filled every shelf available from what she could see in the dim lighting.
"Where are we?"
"My home," Severus said before releasing her. He turned in place and opened the only door, motioning her through. "You both cannot stay here as the Dark Lord has given others access."
Malinda walked through the doorway and frowned. "What do you mean both-"
"What the hell are you wearing, Selwyn?"
She froze in place. Draco Malfoy rose slowly from a small sofa. He wore casual robes and had lost enough weight that his cheeks appeared hollow, making his face alarmingly angular and… almost inhuman. A frightening feat given they'd seen each other just over a week ago.
"You," she looked between Draco and Severus. Disbelief slammed into her. If they were here, together with her, then that meant Draco knew about his godfather. He knew Severus was a double-agent.
He knew.
"Shit," she winced. They were veering dangerously off the original timeline now. Things were growing increasingly difficult.
"A bit cold for snow," Draco said coolly.
Malinda glanced down. Her sundress had been perfect for the warm Carribean evening and though it was long enough to hide her wand strapped to her thigh, she suddenly felt like it was much too short. Her cheeks warmed as she felt ice blue eyes wander over her, taking in her freshly tanned legs and peek of cleavage.
Thankfully, Severus either didn't care or ignored the growing tension between the teenagers. He pointed to a clock and warned, "The Dark Lord and his followers are busy at the Lestrange ball for now. Make sure Draco returns to Malfoy Manor shortly after midnight. The Dark Lord is not one for parties and will not wait long after the celebration."
"But how-" Malinda began but stopped when Snape simply apparated away. Irritated, she turned to Malfoy. "How do we get you home? It's not like I can apparate into Malfoy Manor."
"You can apparate?"
"Old news. Look, even if I had been to your charming family home before, there's no way in hell I'd willingly go there while it's Evil Central," Malinda retorted, crossing her arms.
"So you knew?" Draco took a step forward, his nostrils flaring. "You-Know-Who came and you didn't warn me!"
"I told you-"
"Yes, that he would come eventually but not over the holiday!" He shouted at her, taking another step forward.
"Okay, hold on," Malinda fought back her own temper. "We can scream at each other, but not here. Severus said we have to get out of here. Pettigrew and who knows who else can come here."
"Let's pretend you can actually apparate," Draco sounded highly doubtful. "We couldn't anyways. The Ministry will track the underage-"
"Don't worry about that," Malinda held out a hand. "Come on."
He didn't move. "No, I'm not about to get caught with you using illegal magic. If we're seen together, I might as well write traitor on my forehead. Let's fly instead."
"With what broom? Dear Sevvy doesn't seem like the type to own a- Oh."
Draco reached behind the sofa and revealed a well-kept broom. Its wood was shiny and its tail well groomed. No doubt it was highly expensive. The scene of him standing with the Slytherin Quidditch team, all with newly bought wands, from the film came to mind. She couldn't help but smile.
"If we leave now, we can fly back in time to the manor and you can take my broom back to wherever the hell you came from."
"Or," Malinda closed the distance between them and smirked, "We do it my way."
She grabbed his arm and apparated them. Draco had been so caught off guard that he resisted and Malinda felt them struggle against the apparition. When they reappeared, they collapsed onto the floor, a tangle of limbs and broom.
"Ow!" Her head smacked into the carpet ground and she groaned. Her vision blurred and her head began to pound painfully. "Ugh, get off me."
Draco was on top of her, glancing around in horror. He hastily got to his feet, looking around anxiously. "Where are we? How the fuck did you do that?"
She remained on the ground, holding onto her head. "Stop yelling," she hissed.
Hands grabbed onto her and Malinda was pulled to her feet. Draco led her over to the bed and she sat down, wincing as the headache grew worse.
"Where are we?"
"Jamaica," she murmured, trying to ignore the pain. "This is my hotel room."
"It's… Muggle."
"No shit, Sherlock." Malinda reached under her dress. She saw Draco stiffen in the corner of her eye and she withdrew her wand. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hex you. Just need to fix this headache."
"I'll-" Draco hesitated then came over. "I'll do it."
Suddenly, he was sitting beside her. The tip of his wand pressed against her temple and a warm, gold light released a healing spell. Relief spread through her head and Malinda relaxed with a sigh. "Thanks."
He said nothing, scooting away. Malinda turned to face him. Draco watched her carefully, on guard and the memory of their heated night in the Room of Requirement filled her mind. Gone was the bratty boy from the films. Here, living and breathing beside her, was the real Draco Malfoy and he was no boy. She jumped off the bed and went to the balcony, motioning him over. Slowly, he followed and they stood outside together. She observed as he took in their view, his eyes widening slightly at the ocean laid before them before peering over the crowded hotel pool and grounds below.
"You weren't joking," he finally looked at her. "It's impossible to apparate this far."
"Difficult, but not impossible."
"Maybe for You-Know-Who and Dumbledore but… you?"
"I'm… complicated."
"Yes," his eyes narrowed. "I'm beginning to understand that. Now, let me ask you again. Why didn't you warn me he would come to the manor so soon?"
"Back to the shouting then," she muttered.
"I deserve answers."
"Yes," Malinda leaned against the balcony rail and inhaled deeply, enjoying the ocean smell. "You do. I'll explain but first, tell me how you ended up at Spinner's End."
For a second, it looked like he would argue but Draco simply leaned against the rail too and looked out. His expression tightened. "He hit my mother today." His fingers gripped the rail so tightly, his knuckles turned white. "My father's beloved Dark Lord hit my mother in her own home."
"Why?" Malinda asked, guilt filling her whole.
"He was displeased that she could not heal dear Aunt Bellatrix's wounds," Draco seethed. "None of the mediwizards he kidnapped and tortured could do it but somehow he expected my mother to find a way. He killed them then hit her. He forbade us from attending tonight's ball, a punishment in his eyes. A relief in mine. For the first time, the monster is out."
"Is your mum alright?"
"I healed her bruises of course, then as soon as everyone was gone I tried to contact you. The floo network couldn't find your connection so I sent an owl but turns out You-Know-Who ordered our owls watched too. When Snape came into my room with my letter in hand, I thought I was fucked." Draco shook his head. "Turns out, his most loyal servant is the biggest traitor of all. But you already knew that, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"How long have you been working with my godfather?"
"From the beginning."
"He knows about your… abilities?"
"He knows everything," Malinda answered honestly. "He was there with Dumbledore when I came to Hogwarts to help."
"A fucking traitor," Draco murmured, his grip loosening on the rail. "I didn't even have time to ask him why before he apparated us to Spinner's End then disappeared to find you."
"He has his reasons."
"So you know why?" Draco raised an eyebrow. "Seems you know my godfather more than I ever did. Tell me then, all knowing seer. Why betray his precious master?"
"That is his story to tell, not mine. You're bloody lucky he's the one who intercepted your letter. If anyone else had-"
"I was desperate," Draco cut her off angrily. "I don't care if You-Know-Who hurts me. I don't care if he kills me but he won't touch Mother. I won't allow it. You said you could help. You said you would get her to safety-"
"We can and we will, but we have to work out the details first."
"Fuck the details! Get her out now. I'll do anything, I swear it."
"I know," Malinda murmured. "I know you will."
Draco appraised her then looked away again. "It's your turn to explain."
"Right," she nodded. "You're not going to like what I have to say-"
He laughed hoarsely, "I never do."
"But you deserve the truth and while I can't tell you Severus' story, I can tell you mine." Malinda's voice shook, nerves overtaking her. It had been liberating to tell the Grangers the truth, but Draco… Draco was different. She bit her lip and desperately wanted to buy time. Abruptly, she pushed away from the rail and ran back inside. "But first, let's order room service. You look like you'll fall over if you don't eat something."
Draco trailed behind her and observed as she lifted the phone and withdrew the menu from the nightstand drawer. "What in Merlin's name are you doing?"
"Ordering food."
"That thing makes food?"
"No, this is called a telephone," Malinda lifted it to her ear. "It's what you should've used to find me instead of a silly owl."
