Behind His Facade [Draco x Reader]

Chapter 11: Darkness Unveiled

I walked aimlessly, lost in thought, until I reached the tranquil lake on the Hogwarts grounds.

The serene atmosphere usually calmed my mind, but today, my thoughts were a jumbled mess.

Draco's words echoed in my mind:

"Your family's entanglements with the Dark Arts are well-known to me."

I'd always known my family's dark past, but the depth of our connections was a mystery.

Draco's revelation shook me.

As I pondered, I spotted Ron, Harry, and Hermione sitting on a nearby bench, enjoying the sunset.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation to come.

I approached my friends, my footsteps breaking the silence.

"Hey, guys," I said, trying to sound casual. "Can we talk?"

Ron, Harry, and Hermione exchanged concerned glances.

"What's up?" Ron asked, his brow furrowed.

"Draco told me something," I began, choosing my words carefully.

"About my family's Dark Magic ties. He claims to know more than I do."

Hermione's eyes widened, alarm evident. "What did he say exactly?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.

Harry placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Y/N, we're here for you. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

But Ron's expression remained uncertain. "How deep does it go?"

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt.

"I've always known my family's past, but Draco implied there's more. Much more."

Tension simmered as my friends struggled to reconcile their perception of me with this new information.

Ron's doubts were palpable. "Y/N, we thought we knew you... Are you sure you're not—"

"Not what?" I interrupted, a defensive edge creeping into my voice.

Ron hesitated. "Tainted by your family's Dark Magic?"

Hermione shot Ron a warning glance. "Ron, that's not fair."

Harry stepped in. "We trust you, Y/N. You're not defined by your family's past."

But the seed of doubt was planted.

I felt a stinging sensation, as if my loyalty and identity were being questioned.

How could they doubt me? Didn't they know me at all?

Yet, beneath the hurt, I understood their concerns.

If I was unsure about my own connections to Dark Magic, how could I expect them to blindly trust me?

The silence between us grew, heavy with unspoken fears.

"Guys, I need you to believe me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Hermione nodded fervently.
"We do, Y/N."

Harry's grip on my shoulder tightened.

But Ron's expression remained uncertain, leaving me wondering:

Had I lost his trust?

Would our friendship ever be the same?

-

Later that night, I stood outside Professor Snape's office, my heart racing.

I'd always found him intimidating, but desperation drove me to seek his expertise.

"Enter," Snape's voice called out.

I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.

"Professor Snape, I need your help," I said, my voice firm.

Snape raised an eyebrow. "And why should I assist you, Miss Blackwood?"

"I want to understand my family's Dark Magic connections," I explained.

"Draco's claims have left me with more questions than answers."

Snape's gaze narrowed. "And what makes you think I possess this knowledge?"

I took a deep breath. "Because, Professor, I know you have access to certain... information. And I just want to know the truth."

Snape's expression remained unreadable, but a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes.

"Very well, Miss Blackwood," he said finally. "I shall... guide you. But be warned: the truth may be... more, than you can handle."

I nodded, determination fueling my resolve.

"I'm ready, Professor."

Snape gestured to a shelf, lined with ancient tomes.

"Begin by researching the Dark Arts' history. Understand its roots, its practitioners, and its consequences."

He handed me a worn leather book.

"This text will provide insight into your family's... complicated past."

As I accepted the book, a shiver ran down my spine.

"What's this?" I asked, reading the cover.

" 'The Dark Arts: A Study of Shadows'?"

Snape's gaze intensified.

"Consider it your introduction to the darkness within."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my family's legacy.

As I left Snape's office, the book clutched tightly in my hand, my thoughts swirled:

Is this what Draco meant by continuing our family's legacy?

Does that mean I'm doomed to repeat their mistakes?

Or can I forge my own way, despite the darkness that binds me?

The shadows within me stirred, whispering temptations.

"I hope Hermione doesn't go digging in my families' past before I do." I thought to myself, worry washing over me.

Unbeknownst to me, she already had.