in the dark | d malfoy

chapter thirty-eight

i took my seat in the library across from harry and hermione later that day next to ron, who looked drowsy. he was practically falling asleep on his hand, and harry looked tired too, though hermione was writing an essay with more energy than usual.

"hey, guys." i sighed as i slid into my seat, rubbing my eyes. hermione glanced up and eyed me suspiciously. "what's wrong?"

"what do you mean?"

i had hoped she wouldn't notice the worry that had been lingering in my eyes all day. there was pit in my stomach from thinking about draco's father. i sighed, and glanced around as hermione raised her eyebrows at me. "okay, fine." i puffed. "i guess... my friend alfie, the one i bring to D.A meetings?" the trio nodded their heads in remembrance, and i sighed.

"i guess lucius malfoy killed her dad. and the news kinda shocked me a little. i'm not sure."

harry and hermione did not seem surprised at all, and ron looked half asleep, and hadn't even noticed my words. hermione and harry exchanged a glance, and harry sighed. "i'm not sure what you expected, honestly. i know you're late into the wizarding world... but the malfoy's are..." he stopped abruptly, his eyes landing on my chest, and i glanced down in confusion before realizing what i was looking at.

"oh. right, forgot to mention umbitch invited me to her stupid squad." ron woke from his slumber to stare at me in confusion as i mentioned the squad, and all three of their eyes trained to my badge.

"before you say anything," i said as hermione opened her mouth, "trust me. i know what i'm getting into. and i'm on your side. i joined so i can keep her away from the D.A. speaking of..." i gave harry an apologetic look. "i won't be able to make it to the meeting tonight. i'm sorry."

hermione smiled a little. "it's all right. honestly, i think it's a good idea."

ron stared at hermione in shock. "a good idea? she's working for the enemy?" i glanced down in embarrassment, and hermione must have kicked ron under the table, because he stopped talking.

"it's okay, kat. we believe you." harry's voice floated towards me, and i glanced back up, smiling at him a little. "thanks. i promise i'm on your side."

"we know. and... i'm sorry about your friend." harry's eyes hardened. "maybe you'll start to understand why we dislike the malfoys. do you know why it happened?"

i nodded. "yeah. i guess... back when you-know-who was in power, alfie's dad did something to anger him. i'm not sure what, refused to help him or something. and he sent lucius to kill him. he was a death eater during the time, after all."

ron scoffed. "he'll always be one."

harry gave ron a warning glance. "however true, we don't need to worry about it now. we should probably get going, anyway. we have to stop by the common room before the meeting. see you around."

after i said my goodbyes, i headed up the stairs to umbridge's classroom, and took my normal seat next to draco, who smiled as he saw me. "hello, darling." he slipped his hand onto my thigh and gave it a a quick squeeze. "hi," i breathed, and it was only seconds before a curly haired terrified looking girl stepped into the classroom. we made eye contact, and she froze as my mouth opened in recognition.

umbridge smiled sweetly at her. "can i help you, dear?"

it was then that i became suddenly terrified as marietta burst into tears and umbridge bustled her into her office. i gulped, and turned to draco. "hey, tell umbridge i'll be back. i'm not feeling well, i gotta use the restroom."

draco looked at me with concern lacing his face. "all right. are you okay?"

"yeah!" i was already out of my seat and rushing out of the room. there was no way i'd make it in time, i realized, as i took the steps two at a time. my heart began to sank before a sudden beam of hope hit me, and i turned on the spot.

"dobby?"

the house elf materialized in front of me, and i gaped at him as he peered up at me. "yes, miss?"

"you're dobby?" i stared at him as he bowed a quick bow to me. "yes, miss! how can i help?" harry had mentioned the elf to me before, and it was the only thing i could think of.

"listen, i need you to warn harry potter. he's in trouble. umbridge- she knows about the room of requirement. do you know what i'm talking about?"

dobby's eyes widened in shock. "miss, how does she know? very few people know about the room, you know."

i nodded, panic rushing at the time this was taking. "yes, someone told her though. she knows, trust me. but- it'll be dangerous, you know. but if you can, please tell him!"

dobby bowed again. "yes, miss! i will do anything to help harry potter and his friends!" he disappeared and i let out a breath of relief, which didn't last long.

footsteps echoed behind me, and i turned to see draco and a few other slytherins pounding up the stairs. there was a hint of sadness showing in draco's eyes. he whispered in my ear, "she knows about the room."

"what?" i faked surprise. "did you tell her?"

"no!" his voice hardened. "i wouldn't tell her about our spot. of course not."

i felt a twinge of guilt as the rest of the D.A caught up to us, headed by umbridge. "katherine! there you are! come on!" she brushed past me and i reluctantly followed the group to where i knew the D.A was hiding, and hopefully running.

the sound of other people became louder as we neared the room of requirement. "draco, jinx him!" crabbe growled as we turned the corner, and my heart sank as draco's wand waved and harry fell to his feet, leaving him to glance up, his eyes falling upon me standing next to draco, a look of complete shock turning to his face.

the shock quickly turned to anger as he narrowed his eyes at me, and my eyes widened in horror as he looked away. i knew then that i'd made a grave mistake joining the squad after all.

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author's note

ok i wrote this last year but sio is making me publish the other chaps sooooo :p