Transfixed: A Draco Malfoy Fanfiction

Chapter 14

Hi Dad,

It's me. I hope you're doing well. Haven't heard from you in awhile. School is going okay. Harry, Ron, and Hermione say hello. Love you.

-Audrianna

Dad,

Are you doing well? I'm sure you're very busy at work, and I'm sorry to bother you. Cassady has seemed to be very busy with schoolwork, which makes sense since she takes the hardest courses. She's always been such a great student, I guess. Maybe too good. Anyway, love you, Dad.

-Audrianna

Father,

I've just received news that Cassady's missing. I am so, so sorry, Dad. I should've done better. Does the ministry know anything? Please tell me whatever you can. I love you.

-Audrianna

All of these letters were returned to me, unopened. Dumbledore said it was because of the ministry intercepting owls. Dad was afraid that whoever targeted Cassady would target me next, and he didn't want any trackers. I understood, but was still incredibly anxious that I couldn't talk to him. Dumbledore also said that the Weasley house was the best place for me to spend Christmas, so I agreed to go with Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the Burrow.

In the days leading up to Christmas, there was a sort of hush over the castle. Everyone knew about Cassady at this point, and to be honest, everyone was very supportive. Almost all of the Gryffindors came up to me and offered to help in any way they could, which was very kind. Even the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws offered their support. The Slytherins would snicker when they saw me, but I was too worried to care. As for Malfoy, I never thought about him because I never saw him. Rumor was he was still in his dorm, coming out only at night. At this point, he seemed almost like a memory.

Before I left for the Burrow, I went to Dumbledore to see if he could help me safely contact my father. Before I even knocked, the door to his office opened. I let myself in. Dumbledore looked extremely tired, and his hand was noticeably wounded. I didn't pry, although I really wanted to know what he and Harry were up to with Professor Slughorn.

"Excited for the holidays, Miss Cliffton?" Dumbledore asked, sitting down at his desk. I frowned.

"No, no not really," I said flatly, walking up the stairs towards him. His expression darkened.

"Of course not, dear, given everything that's happened. I'm sorry," he said.

"It's alright," I said quickly, brushing it off. "Headmaster, I know that I can't contact my dad through letters, so I was wondering if there was some way you could..." Dumbledore held up his hand before I could finish.

"I'm sorry Miss Cliffton, but I'm afraid any communication would be unsafe." I looked down, defeated.

"But maybe if you were to stay with me..." I started, but he held up his hand once again.

"I'm afraid it's not going to be possible," he said. "Trust me, it's better this way."

I was frustrated. Why wouldn't they let me see him? I turned away to leave, before whirling back around to face him.

"What about my mother?" I asked quickly. I never even thought about writing to her. She was an executive in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, overseeing a team of Aurors. Almost all of their communications were routinely intercepted by the Minister's office, so needless to say, those in her department did not often get letters from family. I was sure she was worried sick about Cassady, but I was so preoccupied that I nearly forgot about her. I could feel my face getting slightly red from embarrassment; Mum and I were never close, but I still shouldn't have forgotten. "Can I talk to her?"