Hogwarts

A chill night wind blew through the Astronomy Tower, fluttering the hem of her school robes. Blanca sat on the stone windowsill, hidden in the deep shadows from the patrols of the Inquisitorial Squad. A large, unfamiliar barn owl tapped softly on the window, a scrap of parchment tied to its leg. As soon as she unfolded it, Blanca recognized her godfather's sprawling, sloppy handwriting. The ink was heavily smudged in places—Sirius Black had clearly written it in a rage. "Blanca, damn you, Potter! I just got a letter from Harry. The kid is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and I understand perfectly. Tell me this is a Gryffindor joke. Tell me you simply slipped Malfoy Jr. a love potion to worm Lucius's secrets for the Order of the Phoenix! Are you dating a Slytherin ferret?" With the son of a Death Eater?! Your father is spinning in his grave like a racing broom! James was fighting Slytherin at your age, not cornering their prefects in the corners of Hogwarts! Harry is fuming, he's sure Malfoy is using you. Listen to me, B. You're as stubborn as your father. You're probably ruffling your red hair right now, smirking, thinking your old godfather doesn't understand. But Malfoys are snakes. I grew up among them. If that blond bastard breaks your heart or gives you up to Umbridge, I swear I'll run away from home a second time, and I don't give a damn about the Ministry. I'll feed him to Buckbeak myself. I'm waiting for your answer. And don't you dare lie. Your Patronus is a dog, and dogs can't be fooled. "I should know. Your godfather, Padfoot." The parchment in the girl's fingers began to slowly smolder at the edges—Sirius had cast a self-immolation charm for safety. Blanca watched the ashes fall, when suddenly, soft footsteps were heard from the darkness of the spiral staircase. Draco Malfoy silently stepped out onto the observation deck. The moonlight softly highlighted his platinum hair and perfect posture. Noticing the ashes in her hands and that piercing, thoughtful emerald gaze from under her red bangs, he stopped. "More encrypted messages from your holy brother?"