Letters To A Friend (Draco Malfoy Fanfiction)

VIII.

"I didn't think you'd betray your friends like that, Weasley," Malfoy sneers as we exit Umbridge's office, just before lunch. "I thought Hufflepuff was all about loyalty."

I cast him a sideways glance, barely managing to mask my irritation. "I'm not betraying anyone," I retort, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm just doing what I have to."

Malfoy's smirk broadens as we make our way to the Great Hall. "Oh, of course. Keeping up appearances, aren't we? I wouldn't want to be in your shoes, playing the obedient little spy."

I don't even dignify his taunt with a response. It's easier not to show how much his words sting.

As we enter the Great Hall, I try to ignore the eyes tracking us—especially those of my family. Ron's glare is heavy with disbelief, while Hermione, seated beside him, casts me a look of quiet understanding. She knows I'm not truly turning on anyone, but that doesn't make the guilt settling in my stomach any easier to bear.

I take my seat at the Hufflepuff table, pushing my food around absentmindedly. I glance over at the Gryffindor table, catching the twins whispering to each other and occasionally throwing concerned glances my way. Even with Hermione's reassurance about the plan, it feels wrong having to report on students who aren't part of our circle.

Later, in the courtyard, I try to focus on Potions, though the knot in my chest tightens with every passing minute. The guilt lingers, but I remind myself it's about protecting the DA from harm.

I hear familiar footsteps approaching and, without looking up, I know it's Fred, George, and Ginny. They settle around me, the comfort of their presence a small relief amidst the chaos. I brace myself for the inevitable questions.

Fred and George take their usual spots on either side, while Ginny sits directly across from me, arms folded, her brow furrowed. They've undoubtedly heard about today—news travels faster than the speed of light here.

"So," Fred starts, leaning back with a casual grin, "Malfoy, huh? Enjoying your new best mate?"

"Yeah, it's a dream come true," I mutter, scribbling furiously on my parchment without looking up.

Ginny cuts straight to the heart of the matter, her voice softer than usual. "We heard you had to report those Ravenclaws. Is that right?"

I hesitate before answering. "I didn't have a choice."

George's brow furrows. "What's Umbridge playing at, making you turn on people?"

"She thinks I'm useful," I say bitterly. "But it's just part of the act. I report a few students—ones who aren't with us—and she keeps believing I'm on her side."

Ginny's gaze softens. "You didn't have a choice, Dolly. We know you wouldn't betray us, but... it must be hard."

I shrug, though the weight of guilt is heavy. "It's not like it matters. They weren't part of the group. But... I don't like it. I don't like reporting on anyone."

Fred exchanges a look with George. "Some of the group are worried they might be next. Rumours are flying."

"That's why I had to do it," I reply, sharper than intended. "If Umbridge even suspects I'm going easy on anyone, she'll dig deeper. I can't risk her discovering the group."

George leans closer, his voice low. "We know you wouldn't sell us out. But you're carrying too much on your own. You don't have to keep up this act alone."

I meet their worried gazes, feeling a pang of guilt for making them worry. Pretending is second nature now. It's the guilt that weighs heavily. "I'm fine," I say firmly. "I'm just doing what I have to. I can handle it."