Behind His Facade [Draco x Reader]

Chapter 13: The Past Within

Hermione grasped my arm, guiding me into the empty girls' bathroom.

"Y/N, we need to talk," Hermione whispered urgently.

I narrowed my eyes.

"What's this about, Hermione?" I asked.

Hermione took a deep breath.

"I've been researching your family. Y/N, they have a dark history."

My expression shifted from curiosity to wariness.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Hermione's words spilled out.

"The alliance with the Malfoys, the Dark Magic practices... I found records of a Blackwood family member arrested 15 years ago."

My face paled.

"How did you...?" I trailed off, shock and anger mingling.

"You had no right," I snapped, my voice low and venomous. - "No right to dig into my family's past, to uncover secrets I didn't even know existed."

Hermione stood firm.

"I had every right. Your safety, our friendship... it's all at stake."

My eyes blazed.

"You think you're helping? You're tearing apart my whole identity. My family, my legacy... it's all being ripped from me."

My voice cracked.

"I didn't know. Any of it. And you're standing there, judging me, pitying me... without even giving me the chance to discover the truth myself."

My fists clenched.

"You took that from me. The right to uncover my own secrets, to make my own choices."

Hermione's expression softened.

"Y/N, I—"

"No," I interrupted, my voice cold.

"You don't understand. You never will."

The bathroom's silence seemed oppressive, heavy with unspoken truths and wounded emotions.

I stepped back, my eyes locked on Hermione's, my voice firm but shaking.

"I need space," I said, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions.

Hermione's expression softened, concern etched on her face.

"Y/N, I understand. I just wanted to help."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of anger, hurt, and betrayal.

"You didn't help. You dug up secrets I didn't even know existed."

Hermione took a step forward, her hands open.

"I was trying to protect you."

I raised my hand, stopping her.

"Protect me? You've made everything worse."

Hermione nodded slowly.

"I'll give you space, but promise me you'll talk to me soon."

I hesitated, unsure if I could forgive.

"No promises'," I said finally.

As I turned to leave, Hermione's hand brushed mine.

"Y/N?"

I paused.

"Be careful," Hermione whispered. "The Dark Arts aren't to be trifled with."

Her words sent a shiver down my spine.

I nodded, my mind reeling.

What did she know?

I walked out of the bathroom, lost in thought.

"Y/N!" a gentle voice called.

I turned to see Professor McGonagall approaching.

My heart sank.

I followed McGonagall curiously.

Professor McGonagall's stern expression softened slightly as she gestured for me to follow her.

"Come, Y/N," she said. "Professor Dumbledore wishes to speak with you."

I fell into step beside her, my mind racing with questions.

As we walked through the castle's corridors, the portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses watched us pass.

McGonagall's heels clicked on the stone floor, echoing off the walls.

We turned a corner, and the large statue of a gryphon came into view.

McGonagall stopped before the statue.

"Sherbet Lemon," she said, her voice low, flicking her wand towards the statue.

The gryphon's stone wings spread, revealing a hidden staircase.

McGonagall gestured for me to precede her.

"After you, Y/N," she said.

I climbed the stairs, McGonagall following closely.

The staircase spiralled upward, leading us to a door adorned with intricate carvings.

McGonagall opened the door, ushering me into Dumbledore's office.

The room was filled with shelves of ancient tomes, strange artifacts, and the soft glow of candles.

Dumbledore rose from behind his desk.

"Ah, Y/N," he said warmly. "Please, sit."

I sat, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

"Professor McGonagall informed me of Hermione's discovery," Dumbledore began.

"I must say, I'm impressed by her diligence."

I fidgeted, unsure how to react.

"Sir, I... I don't know what to do," I admitted.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

"Your family's past is complex, Y/N. Dark Magic has left its mark. However, remember that you are not defined by your heritage."

His words offered comfort, but raised questions.

Dumbledore's expression turned serious.

"The Dark Arts. A formidable foe. But remember, knowledge is power. Understanding your family's past will help you navigate these treacherous waters."

I leaned forward.

"How can I learn more?"

Dumbledore smiled.

"I've arranged for Professor Binns to provide you with... enlightening texts. And, of course, Hermione's research will be invaluable."

I nodded.

"Thank you, sir."

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled.

"Remember, Y/N, your true strength lies within. Your choices, your heart, and your courage will guide you."

The meeting ended, but Dumbledore's words lingered.