Behind His Facade [Draco x Reader]

Chapter 12: Disturbing Discoveries

Hermione settled into the Gryffindor common room's cozy corner, surrounded by stacks of dusty booms and parchment.

The fire crackled, casting a warm glow on her determined face.

"Time to uncover the truth," she whispered, opening the first book.

Her eyes scanned the pages, searching for any mention of the Blackwood family.

Hours passed, and her notes grew.

A particularly ancient text caught her attention: "A History of Dark Magic."

Hermione's fingers traced the yellowed pages, stopping at a passage highlighted in faint red ink:

"...the Blackwood family, notorious for their involvement in the Dark Arts, forged an alliance with the Malfoy family in the early 18th century. This union solidified their positions as prominent Dark Magic practitioners."

Her eyes widened as she read on.

"The Blackwood-Malfoy alliance was instrumental in the Dark Arts' resurgence during the First Wizarding War."

Hermione's mind raced.

What did this mean for Y/N?

Was she aware her family's Dark Arts legacy ran this deep?

The more Hermione read, the more questions she had.

She delved deeper, uncovering:

A newspaper clipping from the Daily Prophet: "Blackwood Family Member Arrested for Dark Magic Practices" (dated 15 years ago)

A fragment of an ancient spellbook containing Blackwood family notes

As the night wore on, Hermione's findings painted a disturbing picture.

The Blackwood family's ties to the Dark Arts were far more sinister than she'd imagined.

"Time to share this with Harry and Ron," Hermione thought, gathering her notes.

But as she stood up, a shiver ran down her spine.

Had she uncovered more than she was meant to?

-

Hermione found Harry and Ron in the library, huddled over a Transfiguration textbook.

"Guys, I need to show you something," Hermione said, her voice low and urgent.

Harry and Ron exchanged curious glances.

"What is it?" Harry asked, closing the book.

Hermione unfolded a parchment, covered in notes and scribbled references.

"I've been researching Y/N's family," she began. "The Blackwoods have a long history with the Dark Arts."

Ron's eyebrows shot up. "What kind of history?"

Hermione took a deep breath.

"They formed an alliance with the Malfoys in the 18th century. Together, they've contributed to the Dark Arts' resurgence."

Harry's expression turned grave.

"That's not all," Hermione continued.

"I found a newspaper clipping from the Daily Prophet. A Blackwood family member was arrested for Dark Magic practices 15 years ago."

Ron whistled softly.

"That's serious stuff."

Hermione nodded.

"And there's more. I discovered a fragment of an ancient spellbook with Blackwood family notes. It hints at a dark ritual, possibly tied to the Malfoy alliance."

Harry's eyes narrowed.

"Do you think Y/N knows about this?"

Hermione hesitated.

"I'm not sure. But we need to consider the possibility that she's in danger – or worse, that she's being drawn into the Dark Arts."

Ron's face pale, Harry's jaw clenched.

"What do we do?" Ron asked.

Hermione's determination hardened.

"We need to talk to Y/N. And maybe... we should inform Professor Dumbledore."

As they contemplated their next move, the library's silence seemed oppressive, weighted with the secrets they'd uncovered.