Potter's Shadow (Draco Malfoy)

Chapter 40

'Educational Decree No. 82. All Students will submit to questioning about suspected illicit activities.' 

"Come on in, dear," Umbridge smiled as she led me into her office for questioning. I followed behind before she pointed for me to take a seat in one of the chairs. "You must understand this is purely protocol. With you dating Malfoy, I highly doubt you know anything of importance." 

I did know everything, including that the DA were currently working on stunning spells. I knew that we all had Galleons to spread the time of the next meeting. I knew that Draco hadn't talked to me for another week. I didn't know if we were still dating or not. 

'Educational Decree No. 98. Those wishing to join the inquisitorial squad for extra credit, may sign up in the High Inquisitor's office.'

It was brought to my attention that said boyfriend was now in the inquisitorial squad along with all his Slytherin friends. 

Ginny, Neville and I were walking from the common room to the Room of Requirement for another DA meeting. 

"Stop," Ginny hissed pushing us all back. 

"What?" Neville asked leaning round the corner. 

The pair of the shared a look before both turning to me. "What?" I shifted uncertainly on my feet knowing I wasn't going to like what came next. 

Ginny grinned, "You're going to need to be a distraction in order for us to get in."

"A distraction from what?" I hissed as they blocked me from looking round the corner. 

"More like a who," Neville whispered not intending for me to hear. 

I pushed the pair of them out of the way. I carefully peered around the corner, smiling as I spotted Blaise with the pair of thick heads, Crabbe and Goyle. This would be easy. I moved to stepped forwards until Draco appeared from behind a wall shaking his head. "No. No way. You're out of your minds. We haven't spoke in nearly a month!" 

Ginny grabbed a hold of my shoulders and shook, "Pull yourself together. You can do this. You are strong and independent. You shall not let Malfoy make you run like a chicken."

"I'm going to let Malfoy make me run like a chicken," I shook my head leaning back against the wall. 

"You're a Gryffindor. A wise man once said 'It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.' You are brave, Rose. You can do this," Neville encouraged me, while Ginny and I tilted our heads and who had said that. 

"Fine," I sighed glancing round the corner. They were still there. "What's the plan? Nosebleed nougats, puking pastilles?"

"This is all on you. Do whatever it takes?" Ginny nodded firmly at me. 

Right. Gryffindor. Bravery. Standing up to our friends. I took a deep breath, pushing myself off the wall. I managed to strut my way down the corridor, strongly heading towards them. My footsteps echoed, grabbing their attention. With all four sets on eyes staring at me, I faltered nearly tripping on my feet. I glanced over my shoulder, Ginny and Neville stuck their thumbs up in support. I can do this. 

I came to a stop in front of them all. I can't do this. My stomach squeezed as I wanted to throw up. 

"You okay, Rose. You just went really pale?" Blaise asked. 

"I-I, uh," I stuttered. I was not going to buckle, my friends needed me. "Can I speak to Draco?" None of them made to move, "Alone?"

Draco looked slightly shocked before nodding and turning to the others. "Go patrol the other corridors."