REBEL

7. PEPPER BLACK - ABYSSAL BLACK

7. PEPPER BLACK – ABYSSAL BLACK

A few days later, Harry calls a preparatory meeting regarding an inspection of the wards around Malfoy Manor, scheduled for the end of the week. This briefing, at which Malfoy is also present, arrives at the most opportune moment.

Since recent events (especially the thing that almost happened in my bed) have thrown me off track for a while, I only got around to seeing Harry after he had already spoken to Malfoy. That had its advantages and disadvantages.

The first part of our conversation was quite heated as I initially complained at length about Malfoy, whereupon Harry reprimanded me in an unusually annoyed manner. It wasn't until he told me about their conversation that I realized that I would never be able to dissuade him from the idea of fully integrating Malfoy into the Resistance.

I have to admit that my blood ran cold when I learned how far Tom was willing to go to regain his original powers. What happened in the graveyard after the final task of the Triwizard Tournament was terrible and cruel enough — it's hard to believe that there is an even more heinous ritual.

Since I've been in the picture, I can understand why Malfoy didn't hesitate for a second when it came to trying out the Exit on himself. If he hadn't, he would have been screwed sooner or later, and by that I mean dead.

The upside of this new information? It's a pretty good basis for the multi-step acid test I'm going to subject the bastard to. I've been racking my brain for days about the best way to do it and haven't come to a satisfactory conclusion, but now Harry is unwittingly giving me the perfect opportunity. If everything goes as planned, Malfoy will be my new recon partner, which would mean I can kill three Doxys with one stone.

Doxy One: It will quickly become clear whether he is really as brave and heroic as he pretends to be these days. It's unlikely that Tom will forgive Malfoy (his supposedly most faithful servant and thus an important part of his insane ritual) for running away because that was definitely high treason. So if Malfoy agrees to accompany me to the Manor, it's indeed a testament to his bravery, after all such a trip could mean his death.

Doxy Two: During the reconnaissance, I will be able to verify under realistic conditions whether he is really as skilled as I secretly suspect. This could be relevant for future missions or enemy attacks on the Resistance.

Doxy Three: It's his chance to prove to me that he deserves even a fraction of my trust. If he behaves for the duration of our trip and doesn't try to play dirty behind my back, I'll give him a small chance, as Ginny so aptly put it.

"So, what do we have to pay attention to?" Harry asks, looking at Malfoy expectantly.

I sit back, cross my legs on the tabletop and brace myself for a long-winded lecture about the Manor's undoubtedly impressive magical defense. However, when there's still no answer after a few seconds, I shift my gaze to Malfoy, only to find his eyes trained on me.

My heart skips a beat. I wonder if he's been staring at me the whole time.

Only when our eyes meet and I lazily raise an eyebrow does a jolt go through his body. He turns to Harry and begins his explanations.

I hardly listen to him, after all he only says things that the Bristol experience has already taught me. If something seems strange to you, then... blah blah, et cetera. Instead, I use the moment to scrutinize him. I study his serious expression, his tense jaw, and his stormy grey eyes that keep darting in my direction. I think he senses what's coming. He smells trouble and rightly so.

"Hermione will undertake the recce," Harry says, ending Malfoy's monologue. Then he turns to me. "Blaise will accompany you."

My eyes are still on Malfoy. When he tries to avoid my gaze, I have to suppress a triumphant grin. I stretch in a decidedly casual manner and clasp my hands behind my head. All right, let's see.