Ten Questions (Harry Potter x Slytherin reader)

Chapter 50

"Can we leave already? It's been hours."

Walking alongside Pansy Parkinson, I roll my eyes. Not out of annoyance towards her, but at the situation we've both been put in. The two of us have been patrolling the Hogwarts castle for what has felt like the entire night, replacing my usual prefect duties with something far more mundane. 

It was through Malfoy's orders, of course. The moment we had all returned from our Christmas break, Umbridge and Malfoy wasted no time trying to find where Dumbledore's army was holding their meetings, and as a result, I've been forced to spend my nights leading my housemates astray in the completely wrong direction to avoid getting caught. It was I who told Umbridge we should start searching after-hours instead of the day. 

You owe me for this, Potter, I think to myself bitterly as my face contorts into a scowl, the sleepless nights finally beginning to catch up with me. 

"You know, for once, I agree with you, Parkinson," I say with a sigh. "But we still have at least another hour to go before we're allowed to leave."

Pansy groans. "Fucking woman won't leave us alone," she mutters, more to herself than me. 

 It's true, I think yo myself. Umbridge has done everything she can to make sure no part of Hogwarts- which is nearly impossible to explore in it's entirety- is left unturned. Almost every week, every member of the inquisitorial squad has had to report back to her and our findings, which has practically resulted in no progress.

Such a shame.  

The two of us fall silent as we turn another corner. Somewhere on the other side of the castle are Cassius Warrington and Graham Montague, who have also been assigned tonights shift. Malfoy, of course, hasn't contributed to our search, claiming that as the leader, he has no need to help.

"This is pointless," Pansy huffs, going on unprompted, "Who says that Potter and his friends are even holding their meetings in this castle, anyway? It would be too obvious. We would have found it already."

"You might be on to something, Parkinson," I say, suppressing a knowing smile. "Maybe they're gathering in the forbidden forest."

Pansy wrinkles her nose in disgust. "Merlin's beard, I hope not," she says. "There's no way I'm looking there."

Never would I have thought that I would agree with Pansy Parkinson, of all the people, twice in one night. But I suppose there's a first time for everything. 

I catch Pansy glance at me. When my eyes meet hers, she quickly averts her gaze, and I'm surprised when I see a glimpse of fear in her eyes, but only for a fleeting moment.

I don't miss it.

"What?" I ask, irritated. She hesitates for a moment, and again, I am taken aback. Pansy is always quick to speak her mind, especially when it has something to do with me. "Spit it out, Parkinson," I hiss, losing my patience. 

I'm almost happy when she flinches. Pansy goes slightly red, clearly embarrassed at the motion, then recomposes herself. She draws in a sharp breath. 

"Malfoy's been having his doubts lately," she says slowly. 

"Doubts?" I echo, raising an eyebrow. "What does that mean? About Umbridge?"

"No, you."

I scoff, a small laugh escaping my lips as I shake my head. "Me?"

Pansy nods, confirming. "He thinks you've been conspiring with Potter, or have gotten close with him. You two were always together last year because of your..." she eyes me carefully, "...situation."