Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

11. Friendly Interrogations

Since Cassiopeia didn't want to risk outing Dobby or Draco for potentially working against Lucius, she knew she would have to tread carefully. But since she had promised Harry answers, she knew she had to do something.
So, the next time she saw Narcissa she asked her to let her have some alone time with Draco, to see if Draco was responsible for sending Dobby to see Harry.
Even though Narcissa found this request strange, she left Draco with Cassiopeia and returned home without him.

"So, Draco, are you enjoying the summer holidays?" Asked Cassiopeia nonchalantly.
"Definitely. Even though Hogwarts is great, I missed the manor" answered Draco.
"I'm sure you did... But as you probably guessed, I didn't summon you here for an idle chitchat. I wanted to know how things have been going with your father. Last time we spoke you said you were going to move against him, without him knowing, so I want to know how that went" replied Cassiopeia.

Draco sighed, "I'm sorry, but I really can't tell you anything".
"Why not? I'm not exactly going to tell anyone what you've done. Your secrets are always safe with me" insisted Cassiopeia.
"I know that, but I still think it's better if no one knows what I've done" admitted Draco.
"So, you have done something then?" Quizzed Cassiopeia.
"Maybe. Maybe not. I'm not telling"
"Hmm, you're a hard nut to crack, Mr Malfoy, just like your father"
"And since you hate my father, I'm sure you don't mean that as a compliment"
"I'm sorry. It can't be easy to have me constantly speaking poorly about someone that you look up to. But just trust me when I say that I have my reasons for hating your father".

"I'm sure you do. And look, I appreciate that you want to look out me, but don't worry, I know what I'm doing" reassured Draco.
"I hope that's true. I just want to give you some advice, that's all. When it comes to stopping your father from doing something evil, you have to think about the bigger picture. You can't focus on one single student for example, and how it effects them, you have to think about the whole school" said Cassiopeia.
Draco's eyes widened for a second, before returning to normal.
"Is that so" he replied calmly.
"Yes. And when dealing with dangerous people like your father, sometimes it is best to deal with things yourself, instead of passing your ideas onto others, especially if those other people do not share your intelligence" warned Cassiopeia.

"You were the one who told me to be careful and not let my father catch me sneaking around behind his back" reminded Draco.
"I know what I said. And my point still stands. But involving other people, particularly those who are loyal to your father, is not a good idea" replied Cassiopeia.
"It's impossible for me to act without involving others, if I want my father to remain oblivious to said actions" admitted Draco.
"I'm not saying you can't involve anyone else, but just choose your allies wisely. House-elves for example may be loyal to an entire family, but they still have one true master whom they will obey above all others. And I would hate for you to include someone loyal to your father, in your plans".

There was an awkward silence in the room, as Draco knew what Cassiopeia was getting at, but he couldn't say anything to confirm or deny her theories.
"You puzzle me sometimes Cassiopeia" commented Draco quietly.
"Oh yes. And why is that?" Questioned Cassiopeia.
"Your knowledge of events that you are not involved in, is intriguing. You seem to be aware of things that you can't possibly know about" answered Draco.
"I'm your godmother, little dragon. I'm always going to know about things that your parents don't even know about. I also have a habit of finding out about things that I'm not supposed to know about"
"Sounds like a bad habit, if you ask me".

Cassiopeia raised an eyebrow, "I grew up in a dangerous world, that did everything it could to break me. Keeping my head down, and my ears open is what kept me alive. Judge me all you want, but secrets are how the wizarding world functions, and knowing as many secrets as possible is the only way to survive".
Draco didn't answer, instead he got up and headed for the door, "It's getting late. I should probably get going".
"Draco, wait" pleaded Cassiopeia, as she jumped to her feet and followed Draco out the room.
"I have to go" replied Draco.

"Look, I'm fine with you not including me in your plans, but you have to be careful. Using house-elves to deliver secret messages, is not safe" warned Cassiopeia.
"I don't know what you're talking about" lied Draco.
"Please, just listen to me-" started Cassiopeia.
"No, you listen to me. You told me that my father is evil, and that I should stop him at all costs. So, now that I'm doing that, you can't intervene and try to stop me. Just let me do what I've got to do. Trust me, I know what I'm doing".