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

43. The Division

"Why do you need to talk to me?" Quizzed Draco.
Cassiopeia sighed, "As you may have heard Harry announce when he exited the maze, Lord Voldemort has returned. Which means the wizarding world is being thrown into yet another war".
"You believe that rubbish Potter was saying?" Mocked Draco.
"Harry was not lying. And he is not the only source of information that we have regarding Voldemort's return. I cannot explain to you how I know, what I know. But I will tell you this, Voldemort returned tonight, and he summoned his followers to his side for the first time in 13 years. And your father was among the death eaters who flocked to his side".

"My father-" started Draco.
"Your father is an evil man who enjoys hurting Muggles and putting down Muggle-borns. You know that he was responsible for reopening the Chamber of Secrets, and you know he was one of the death eaters causing chaos at the Quidditch world cup final. You are not a fool Draco, you see what kind of man he really is. And now that your father's master is back, things are going to change. With another war brewing, those in the wizarding world will be forced to pick a side. You and I must pick a side... I have already chosen mine, for I will be fighting alongside Dumbledore and Harry. And I want you to join me" announced Cassiopeia.

"What do you mean, join you?" Asked Draco.
"I want you to turn your back on the darkness inside our family, and choose the light instead... I knew a boy a similar age to you, who was in exactly the same position you are in now. He was the heir to a powerful pure-blood family, and everyone around him, either was a death eater, or at least supported Voldemort's ideas. So, when the time came, this boy felt he had no choice to become a death eater himself, or risk losing everything he cared about. It wasn't long before he got himself in too deep, and within a few years, he was dead... I don't want the same thing to happen to you" explained Cassiopeia.

"What makes you think I'm going to become a death eater?" Questioned Draco.
"When you go home to your father, he is going to do everything in his power to make sure you follow in his foorsteps and become a death eater. For all I know, Voldemort will be at the Malfoy Manor when you get there, as he needs to rebuild his army, and he likes to recruit young, powerful people. You may find it hard to resist him, as he can be very persuasive... If it's a choice between life and death, then choose life, but get word to me as soon as possible and I will get you out of there. I can look after you, and keep you safe" promised Cassiopeia.

"No offence, but you are currently on the run. You can't keep anyone safe" said Draco.
"As a Squib I am often underestimated. But I have survived this long without magic, haven't I? And now I have powerful friends who can keep you and I safe, if you choose the right side" replied Cassiopeia.
"Why do I have to choose at all?" Quizzed Draco.
"I once thought the same thing as you. I didn't want to pick a side during the first war. I helped Dumbledore and his army but I continued seeing you and your mother behind everyone's back. I thought I could have the best of both worlds... But I'm older now, and I know that is not the case. I have chosen my side, and unless you choose the same one as me, I won't be able to see you again".

"What do you mean?" Frowned Draco.
"It is too dangerous for me to support one side, and continue having contact with the other. I need to fully commit to my side, and that means I can't see you or your mother until this is all over" revealed Cassiopeia.
"You can't just go silent on us both, not after everything my mother has done for you" insisted Draco.
"I have no choice. I have to think about the greator good. I cannot risk spilling any information to the wrong side, for I will not put my friends and family in danger".

"But I'm your family too" Draco said quietly.
Cassiopeia ran over to him, and placed her arms around him.
"I know that. And nothing will ever stop me from caring about you. But if your father has invited Voldemort back into his life, then I  can no longer have anything to do with the Malfoys" sighed Cassiopeia, as she released Draco.
"This isn't fair" grumbled Draco.
"I know. But I lost everything in the first war, when I was betrayed by someone I thought was a friend. This time around, I am taking no chances. I have to surround myself with the people who are fighting for the same thing as me. And until you are one of those people, I can't be around you" replied Cassiopeia.

"I can't turn my back on my father" admitted Draco, his voice no more than a whisper.
"It will be hard, but I know you can do it. You are a good person, deep down, and he is not. I know that one day you will find the strength inside you, to turn away from him and all that he stands for. And when that day comes, I will be standing there with my arms out stretched. You will always have a home with me, you will never be alone" reassured Cassiopeia.
She then kissed the top of Draco's head, and made her way towards the door.

"Aunt Cassie, wait" Draco called out.
Cassiopeia turned her head to face him, "What is it?".
"I have a question. You've never told me the truth before, but if I'm not going to see you again, then I think I deserve an honest answer...  Why do you hate my father so much? He was never a very high ranking death eater. So, why do you seem to hate him more than anyone else?" Questioned Draco.
An uncomfortable silence filled the room as the pair stared at each other.
"Because he raped me" revealed Cassiopeia.

Before Draco could question her further, she left the classroom and rejoined Snape so that he could escourt her out of the castle.
She hated leaving Draco with more questions, but she knew that the answers would only make him feel worse. And since the truth was long and messy, she knew she didn't have time to get into it that night.
One day she would tell him the truth. But since they were on the eve of a war, now was not the time.