From Wiltshire, With Love

Chapter 31

Having recently dedicated all his free time to becoming a more proficient fighter, Draco was now reading through several volumes on nonverbal spells. Feeling the onset of a headache, he set one of the books down on his lap. He looked out the window of the Manor library, gazing at the snow-covered grass. He couldn't stop thinking about the last time he spoke with Granger and the things she said about him being more pro-active about helping the Order.

She was right.

She was right, but he didn't know what the fuck he could do about it. He was torn. He didn't want the Dark Lord to win. But to defeat him, he had to help the Order. Helping the Order meant that his role as spy had to be more than eliminating the cunts threatening his friends and family. He had to help the Order defeat the Dark Lord's army. But he and his father were the Dark Lord's army. He'd be fucking over himself and his family.

Granger said that the operation he and his father planned in the states would cripple the Order. He knew that it would. Cut off the funding supply, cut off the resistance. It was a no brainer, that's why he and his father had done it.

But what would have happened had Draco told her?

Draco didn't know, but it would most likely involve death and torture.

Not only that, but Granger explained that she wouldn't be able to secure an Unbreakable Vow until the Order trusted him and he demonstrated his utility. Now she knew that he had been instrumental in cutting off their funding and hadn't said a damn thing. He probably blew his chances. What if the very actions he could take to secure a pardon for his family would at the same time, cause their deaths?

Frustrated with the helplessness of not knowing what to do, he bent over, holding his head in his hands, and let the book of nonverbal spells slip from his lap to the floor. Ultimately, if the Malfoys couldn't demonstrate their usefulness to the Dark Lord, he would make an example of them to inspire fear and loyalty in everyone else. Through months and months of hard work, Draco and his father had slowly regained their standing in the Dark Lord's army since the debacle of the Department of Mysteries and Draco's subsequent failure to kill Dumbledore atop the Astronomy tower. While they were busy in the working for the Dark Lord, his mother had rebuilt their reputation in society. It was so easy to fall out of favor, and clamoring back to the top took all their skill and cunning.

And the Malfoys had done so.

Now what?

He heard footsteps enter the library, interrupting his thoughts. Draco glanced up to see Severus Snape standing in the Manor library, clothed in a dark winter cloak. His expression was unreadable, like always.

"Draco."

Draco hadn't spoken to Severus in quite some time. Not since they witnessed Burbage get eaten alive on his dining room table. No doubt the Headmaster had something important to say, he wasn't here by chance. His presence was comforting in a way, seeing as his ex-Head of House had always done his best to help him. Draco never understood his motivations because Severus was even more tight lipped than Draco's father, but ultimately, he knew his godfather was on his side.

If only he could discuss his current dilemma with him.

Draco had no one. He didn't know who to ask, he didn't know who to confide in, and he had no idea what to do after he gave Granger the Carrow plans. And he couldn't expect Granger to understand. If anything, their fight at Trafalgar Square showed that she wouldn't.

"Severus," Draco replied, sitting up straight and running a hand through his hair. "I trust Hogwarts is doing well under your leadership?"

Severus nodded, taking in Draco's posture and the fallen book. "It is," he replied, and glanced out the window before shifting his dark gaze back to him. "Come walk with me outside. I haven't seen the swans in a long time."