Chapter 20


...

Malinda walked down the empty corridor, last to leave the library and feeling quite pleased with herself. She had somehow managed to not only finish her potions essay, but she finished her charms research ahead of schedule. She might even have some personal time after tomorrow's lesson with Dumbledore. A rare event.

As she began to brainstorm ways to spend that precious time, a hand burst out from behind a tapestry and Malinda was pulled into a hidden alcove.

Instinct kicked in, both muggle and magical. Her knee slammed up into her assailant and her hand slammed a magical blast into him.

Draco winced as he bent over, holding his groin tenderly. "Fuck," he hissed in pain.

"Oh shit," Malinda quickly withdrew her wand and muttered healing incantations. Within a few seconds, Draco was slowly standing up, his blue eyes narrowed. "What is wrong with you?"

"With me? You're the one who thought it would be a good idea to grab me!"

"You should've known it was me."

"How?!"

Draco's expression tightened with anger. He took a breath and lowered his voice to a harsh whisper. "I gave you enough clues at the library."

She nearly laughed. "Playing footsie under the table does not equate to 'Hey I'll be outside hiding waiting to grab you when you walk by' you know. You should've-"

He kissed her hard. Immediately his tongue was in her mouth and his hands on her hips, holding her flush against him. Malinda relaxed against him, her own hands coming to hold his shoulders. Her head tilted and he kissed her even more deeply.

Gods, she was in trouble.

Malinda broke off and recovered her breathing. "What- What did you want?"

"What do I want?" Draco snorted. "It's been a week and you've barely given me the time of day Selwyn. What's wrong? Our time in Jamaica scare you off?"

"We've spent nearly every night studying together!"

"Blaise or the girls are always with us. That doesn't count." He slid his hands up her sides, slow and deliberate. "And perhaps I just wanted to say hello."

She slapped his hands away. "Well, I have some time tomorrow night after my lesson with Dumbledore. Why don't you come with me and we'll hang out afterwards?"

He said nothing but glowered, lowering his hands back to her hips.

"Come on, Draco. You can't put off meeting him forever. It's best to just get it over with."

"Fine," he leaned forward and kissed her neck softly. "But we spend time afterwards alone. No dormmates."

She gulped. "No dormmates."

He continued to kiss her neck, his warm breath causing goosebumps to rise on her arms. "And in the Room of Requirement."

The image of his massive bed flashed in her mind. "Or the astronomy tower?" She tried weakly.

He withdrew and smirked. "Not nearly as fun or as private."

"M-Maybe," she forcibly stepped away. "It's getting late. We should get back." She moved into the corridor and heard Draco laugh quietly as he followed her.

...


...

"Who do you think will be the first to manage it?"

"Pansy of course," Millicent said haughtily. "You practiced over break didn't you?"

Pansy grinned. "Father knows the Director of the Permit Department. I was able to practice everyday."

"How far did you apparate then?" Daphne asked.

"Across the room. It's really quite easy once you get the hang of it."

"I can't wait!" Clare beamed. "Do you think anyone else will apparate on the first day?"

"I doubt it," Pansy laughed. "It took me four days to even go a few yards."

Malinda looked down the Slytherin table to where Draco sat on the edge of the sixth year group. He was staring at her, a smirk tugging one side of his mouth up. She winked. *

Daphne sighed. "Well, let me know how it goes. Wish I was old enough to attend. Anyways, Mal you heading to the library?"

"Not tonight. Snape requested my help with a brew for Professor Sprout. Apparently she's having trouble with the Russian hydro-.

"Boring," Daphne waved her off. How about you Blaise?" She tucked a hair behind her ear, the only sign of her nerves.

He shrugged, "Sure. I could do with some quiet time."

The two got up to leave, followed by most of the others who would be heading back to the common room. Clare lingered and whispered, "Maybe she'll finally tell him."

Malinda looked between the library-bound pair and frowned. They would be a beautiful couple, no doubt, but she just didn't see it. Blaise seemed… Well, he seemed to have a different view of life than Daphne. "Maybe," she said.

Clare patted her arm. "Maybe."

As dinner concluded, the Great Hall was nearly empty. When Draco stood, Malinda watched him go and counted to thirty. She didn't want to make it obvious they were leaving together.

Mentally she counted. Twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six, twen-

"Hey Mal," Alec approached her tentatively. "Do you have a minute?"

She wanted to say no, but guilt got the better of her. She nodded and did her best to offer a smile. It was still awkward between the two and she wasn't sure what to expect. "How was your holiday?"

"Great. It was nice to spend time with my family," he rubbed the back of his neck. Clearly, she wasn't the only one feeling awkward. "How was yours?"

"Productive," she replied.

"And Hawaii?"

"Full of surprises," Malinda admitted. "So, did you want to talk about something?"

"Yeah, I just," Alec hesitated. "I thought a lot about what you said, how the spark's there but it's not strong."

"I-"

He surprised her when he spoke over her. Normally, Alec was ever the gentleman but his cheeks turned pink as he pressed on. "I really like you. You're this incredibly smart and beautiful witch who walked in and gave the finger to pureblood rules. So I just want you to know that if you ever change your mind, I'd like to give it another go. Let me prove that there's something more to us."

It was a moving speech. Except, instead of feeling impassioned though, Malinda only felt discomfort. She liked Alec, how could she not? But it wasn't his face she thought about often.

And she couldn't exactly tell him that.

"Thank you, uh, for telling me. I just… I'm not-"

"You don't need to give me an answer now," Alec laughed emptily. "Or ever really. I meant it when I said let's be friends but I just needed you to know how I felt."

"Let's just be friends and see how things go," Malinda said gently. "Sorry, I have to go. Don't be a stranger. I don't want it to…"

"Weird? Yeah, I agree."

She felt a bit better when he smiled at her, this time without a grimace behind it. When she left the Great Hall she exhaled deeply. Time to focus on the more important things like getting Draco to listen to Dumbledore. If all went well, then they'd have a plan and-

"So what did Jones want?"

"Of course you saw," Malinda said, turning the corner and finding Draco leaning against the stone wall. He pushed off and easily fell in step beside her as they made their way to the phoenix staircase.

He could only stay silent for a few moments before he pressed, "So what did he want?"

"He wanted to say hello and make sure we were still friends," Malinda gave the blond a tired look. "Were you the jealous type with Pansy? It's not a good look."

"I'm not jealous."

"Right."

"I just wanted to know what he said."

"Let's just be clear, I'm perfectly allowed to have conversations with people. Male or female."

Draco frowned, "Of course you are."

Malinda simply nodded and said, "I asked Severus to be there too. Figured you would want him to help with whatever requests you make."

"I also asked him to attend," Draco admitted. "Still can't believe he-"

She knocked her shoulder against him. "Don't say it, ever. You never know who is listening."

They arrived and Malinda offered the candy password. If Draco was surprised that she had direct access to the headmaster's office, he didn't show it. He was too busy tensing and mentally readying his defenses.

"He's not going to attack you."

"Whatever you say."

Malinda bit her tongue. There was no point in arguing, it would only put him more on the defense. So she led him through the door and into the office. Dumbledore and Snape hadn't arrived yet, still at dinner with the other professors. However, Fawkes sat on his perch and offered his usual greeting noise.

"Hi Fawkes," Mal waved and plopped down into a chair. She motioned for Draco to follow suit. "Might as well make yourself comfortable."

"He lets you just come in here… By yourself?"

"Dumbledore is a busy wizard. Sometimes he runs late for our lessons."

"What is he teaching you?"

"How to fight and defend myself."

"And Snape?"

"He helps too. Taught me to protect my mind."

Draco sat stiffly and waited, his eyes roaming the office walls and examining everything. Fawks peered at the newcomer, but Draco appeared to ignore the creature, more intrigued by the portraits. Malinda watched him, curious if he recognized any ancestors or relatives. No doubt past headmasters were either directly or distantly related to the Malfoy line.

They didn't have to wait long. Not ten minutes later, the door opened and they were joined by Dumbledore and Snape.

"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore smiled. "Malinda."

"Draco," Snape inclined his head in greeting. "Malinda."

When Draco didn't say anything, Malinda waved. "Evening. Thanks for meeting with us."

"Though we just came from a meal, may I get you anything? Perhaps a chocolate frog?" Dumbledore offered politely.

Draco, though, leaned forward, his expression tight and said, "No need for niceties… sir. Let's just discuss the matter at hand."

"Draco," Malinda warned quietly.

Snape seemed to be expecting this from his godson though because he simply nodded. "Indeed. Let's establish the Order's agreement and protection of Draco."

"And my mother."

"First, we discuss your protection," Snape's tone hardened and he gave his godson a look.

"There is no agreement without my mother being safe."

"I made the unbreakable vow with your mother to protect you and that is what I am here to do. First, we make a deal for you. Then, we discuss Narcissa."

"Fine," Draco snapped. He turned his attention to the headmaster and bluntly asked, "What do you want?"

Dumbledore lowered his head so that he peered out from above his spectacles. Malinda fought a smile- classic teacher move. "What I want," Dumbledore said gently. "Is for you to live the life that you choose."

"Bullshit. You don't know anything about me or what I want. Why would you care?"

"You're right," the headmaster admitted with a shrug. "Before this past summer, I was under the impression you would follow your father's path into darkness. Despite Snape's protests, I had no inclination to help you, even after you were ordered to kill me. However…"

Dumbledore's eyes cut over to Malinda and he smiled. "Ms. Selwyn arrived and I was convinced otherwise. She knows what you would choose between dark and light. She has seen your path and was wise enough to show me, to change my mind."

"She… showed you?"

"A pensieve is a useful tool, Mr. Malfoy. I believe you are familiar with them."

"Of course," Draco shifted, uncomfortable. "My father has one."

"Yes, so I have been told. Now, I understand that you are aware of Ms. Selwyn's abilities and her intent to end this war sooner than originally destined. Make no mistake, Mr. Malfoy, Voldemort will lose and it's up to you to decide where the Malfoy name will stand after it."

It was quiet and Draco simply stared, giving nothing away. Malinda cleared her throat and offered, "Draco is willing to help, he just has a few questions."

"Of course. Please, ask away."

"What are the terms?" Draco demanded. "What does the Order want from me and what do I get in return?"

"Information," Snape answered. "You will help me provide information about the Dark Lord's plans. It is becoming increasingly difficult for me to share information that will not give my role away. You and Ms. Selwyn's knowledge will help me balance this."

"And what do I get?"

"Immunity," Dumbledore raised his head again and the smile faded. "You will be fully cleared of any crimes and will face no repercussions for any actions, true or not."

"Why would you give me a clean start?" Draco frowned. "You know what my family has done… What I've done." Angrily, he lifted his sleeve to reveal the dark mark. "You know what I vowed to do. I'm supposed to kill you!"

"Yes but in exchange for Ms. Selwyn's help, I also made a vow," Dumbledore answered gravely.

Draco turned in his seat to look at Malinda and snapped, "What the fuck does that mean?"

"It means," Snape drawled from where he sat, "That the headmaster made the unbreakable vow with Malinda to protect you and Narcissa after the war in exchange for her seer knowledge."

Draco's face paled. "Why?"

"I told you," she sighed. "I came here to help you. Those were my terms."

"Terms I accepted. Returning to your original question, Mr. Malfoy, you will provide us information upon our request or when you find it important to do so. You will agree to not disclose our agreement to Voldemort or any of his followers, including your mother-"

"No shit," Draco muttered.

Dumbledore ignored him and continued, "You will do everything in your power to prevent the harm or death of innocent lives, unless such action will lead to your or your mother's deaths."

"What about our torture?"

"The Dark Lord has a fickle temper," Snape murmured. "To protect our secret, we must sometimes endure his anger."

"Fucking wonderful. So what about my father?" Draco challenged. "What about him? We all know he'll be free soon. Will he be protected after the war?"

He looked between the two wizards, but they both simply turned to look at Malinda. Draco followed their gaze in surprise.

She squared her shoulders and stated, "He's not part of this deal. While your mother shows remorse for her actions and makes a choice that helps defeat Voldemort, your father only relents out of pure self-preservation."

"There's no crime in wanting to stay alive," Draco snarled.

"But there are crimes in giving an eleven-year-old a journal to suck out her life force to bring back another one. Not to mention the crimes in terrorism and torturing a muggle family at the Quidditch World Cup. Or how about-"

"My father made mistakes," Draco leapt to his feet. "So what?! I can't just stand by and watch him be put away forever. My mother won't ever forgive me if I did nothing!"

"He made his choices and he has to pay for them," she replied, fighting the urge to yell back. Instead, Malinda crossed her legs and sat back. "If you and your mother help enough in the war, then Dumbledore will easily be able to negotiate his prison sentence. Instead of a Dementor's kiss or lifetime in Azkaban, perhaps he'll serve his time under house arrest."

Draco gaped. "What do you mean if 'you and your mother' help enough? You expect her to risk her life too?!"

"I told you before, your mother walks away from the war-"

"Walks away, sure, but you didn't tell me she actively betrays the Dark Lord!"

"She still has a role to play, Draco."

He swung around to face Severus. "Did you know about this?"

Severus nodded, his expression stern. "Narcissa turns the tide in the war. Ms. Selwyn here refuses to disclose what actually it is that she does-"

"Trying to preserve the future here," Malinda reminded.

"-But it clearly leads to the Dark Lord's fall. Your mother has a role to play in this war, Draco. One that she or we cannot know until Ms. Selwyn deems it time. For now, Narcissa cannot know about you and me working with the Order."

"And for that exact reason," Dumbledore picked up. "We also require your mother to be protected and safe, making this a mutually-desired agreement."

"What does she do?" Draco shouted at Malinda. "Keep her out of this! Whatever it is, I'll do it!"

"I can't tell you. We don't know how it'll play out with the new timeline and if I screw it up-"

"You've already screwed it!" Draco lost it. He approached her and pointed a harsh finger in her face. "You are the reason that fucking lunatic is in my house! You are the reason he hit her and-"

"Blame, blame, blame," she retorted, standing up. She pushed him abruptly, causing him to stumble back in surprise. "Always so quick to blame others for everything. You're not a child anymore, Draco and this is war, act like it."

"Fuck you."

"Wouldn't you like to," Malinda scoffed.

"Enough!" Dumbledore also stood up and his shout silenced both students. "Sit down."

Malinda and Draco sat, alarmed by the new tone. She'd never heard Dumbledore sound so mean before, not even during their most brutal lessons.

"We have made the terms of our agreement clear," the headmaster said, his calm demeanor returning. "You will do your best to help us while keeping yourself and your mother safe. In return, we will ensure you both live a free life after the war but your father will answer for his crimes. Do you accept these terms?"

Draco crossed his arms and stared hard at the ground.

After a few moments, Snape cleared his throat. "Draco, answer the headmaster."

"I accept, you bastards," Draco said through gritted teeth.

Malinda rolled her eyes but felt relief. Finally.

"Excellent," Dumbledore nodded and leaned forward, clasping his hands on his desk. "With that in order, we can proceed with our plans."

"What plans? Already planning how to betray me?"

"On the contrary, I'd like to help you, Mr. Malfoy. I'd like to help you kill me."

Draco's eyes widened. "What?"