𝕭𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝕾𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖘 || Fred Weasley

60

When Cassie awoke, Tonks was beside her. Cassie greeted her and sat up. Draco was resting in the opposite bed of hers.

"You could have died, Cass," said Tonks. "We were worried."

"Who was?" asked Cassie. "Far as I know, Fred hates me, the Weasleys despise me, my parents... "

"For the record, I hear Fred misses you," Tonks informed. "Really. But why the hell would you break his heart like that?"

"I just woke up and you want to give me a headache talking about my relationships?" Cassie said, annoyed. "Look, it was an accident. It wasn't meant to go that way."

"Why would you even set something up like that?" asked Tonks. "You love him, don't you?"

"Of course I do." Cassie was looking at her in disbelief. "I love him, which is why I had to set him free, at least for now. And I needed a reason. I'm a target, Tonks. Voldemort needs me. He'll go after everyone I hold dear, including you."

"I admire you, Cass, but this isn't it," Tonks said.

"If you're here to lecture me about love, then don't," Cassie said. "You can hardly get yourself a guy. I doubt you had any experience when you were younger. You know, love is a weakness, the worst. When you care too much, the more you have to lose. I lost Fred and that's on me, I know that. I don't need anyone else telling me what I did cause I was there. And if I lose you, I'm gonna think it's my fault, too."

"Why?"

"It just is, all right. After everything, I won't be able to save you... "

"I don't need saving," said Tonks. "And to me, love is what makes us stronger. It makes us realize who we fight for, who we live for. You should talk to Fred, all right. Don't leave on bad terms."

Cassie knew Tonks was right. She didn't want to show her face so instead, she wrote a letter to him. She wracked her brain, trying to think of the right words to say. It was getting late into the night and she started writing as if she was speaking to him face to face.

Dear Fred Weasley,

Please, I know it's hard, but please listen to me. What happened that day wasn't supposed to happen. Thomas acted on his own... I wanted to break up, but it wasn't right the way it happened. I needed a reason and I didn't have one. I couldn't say I didn't love you anymore because I do. I still love you. I just want to protect you. I wanted to let things go before I disappoint you further. Things are going to happen at Hogwarts... You'll hate me for it. I'm sorry, but I've got no choice, no other options.

Cassie Malfoy

P.S   My Patronus is a coyote. Keep that in mind.

:::

As Cassie was grading papers Slughorn was "too busy" to do, Draco was in the Room of Requirement, jumping for joy. It had finally worked. It was going to be over soon. He rushed out of the room and down towards the dungeons and to Cassie's office.

Cassie jumped as the door had slammed shut. She looked at Draco expectantly. He looked joyful and as if no words could take that happiness away. Cassie could see a bit of the younger Draco — the happier Draco.

"What?"

"It worked! It works!"

"What works?"