Cold Love || Draco Malfoy

2- Letters From Home

The following morning, Jessica Gold sat at the edge of her four-poster bed in the Slytherin girls' dormitory, staring down at the letter she'd just received. The elegant, green ink contrasted starkly against the cream parchment, and she immediately recognized the handwriting. Her mother had always insisted on writing letters by hand, believing that personal touches mattered more than anything else.

Jessica read the letter again, her brows furrowing as she processed the words.

---

Dearest Jessica,

It's been a while since we last heard from you, and your father and I have been wondering how your term is going. We hope you've been focusing on your studies and making the most of your time at Hogwarts. Remember, darling, the reputation of our family is important—especially now.

Your father sends his love. He's been working late at the Ministry, dealing with some "inconveniences" that have cropped up. We've had some interesting discussions lately about your future, and we think it's time for you to consider where your true loyalties lie.

You know the history. I was one of the first Slytherins in our family, and though I strayed from the path by marrying your father, it's not something I regret. But that doesn't mean everyone in our world shares the same view. You've always been sharp, Jessica, so I trust you understand what's at stake.

Keep your head held high, and don't let the wrong sort influence you. Slytherins don't need approval from anyone but themselves.

Write back soon, my love.

With all my affection,

Mother

---

Jessica's fingers tightened around the parchment, her mother's subtle reproach hanging over her like a shadow. The letter was a reminder of the expectations that had always loomed over her. Her mother had been a formidable Slytherin in her day, renowned for her ambition and shrewdness.

She had strayed only once, when she fell in love with Jessica's father, a clever but kind-hearted Ravenclaw. That decision had cost her respect in certain pureblood circles, and it was clear that Draco Malfoy's family, among others, never quite forgot that slight.

Draco's disdain toward Jessica made more sense when seen through that lens. The Malfoys were proud, traditionalists who valued blood purity and viewed any deviation from that as a sign of weakness.

As if summoned by her thoughts, a loud bang echoed from the common room, followed by Tahlia Moonstone's shrill voice. Jessica sighed, folding the letter and tucking it into her robe pocket before making her way out of the dormitory.

---

The Slytherin common room was dimly lit, with emerald, green flames flickering in the hearth. Tahlia Moonstone was pacing back and forth near the fireplace, her face twisted in a mixture of frustration and indignation. She was dressed immaculately, as always—her dark hair flowing in loose curls and her robes tailored to perfection. Tahlia was undeniably beautiful, with her sharp cheekbones and striking eyes, but her beauty was often overshadowed by her entitled attitude.

Jessica crossed her arms and leaned against the stone wall, watching as Tahlia continued her tirade to Daphne Greengrass, who sat on one of the velvet sofas looking bored.

"I don't get it!" Tahlia fumed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Why is Draco acting like this? He's been completely distant, barely even looking at me, let alone talking. And he's so obsessed with whatever he's doing that he won't even make time for me."

Daphne rolled her eyes. "Maybe he's just stressed, Tahlia. You know how he gets."

"It's more than that," Tahlia snapped. "We used to be—well, you know—we had something. But now it's like I'm invisible to him. We've had a few... moments... but it's like he's shutting me out."