Chapter Text
"You're late," Hermione said, glancing at the grand clock in the Ministry's atrium. The golden hands pointed accusingly at Y/N, who offered a sheepish smile.
"I know," Y/N replied, a hint of weariness in her voice. "The Floo network was acting up again. You know how it is."
Hermione's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the evasion. They had been friends long enough for Hermione to know when Y/N was holding back. But she also knew better than to push it in public. The two witches walked briskly down the hallways of the Ministry, passing portraits that whispered to each other as they passed. The air had tension, the usual buzz of activity muted by the looming shadow of war.
"I have to ask you a huge favor. I wouldn’t be asking if we had anyone else to turn to at this point” Hermionu began, visible worried. “We have a mission for you," Hermione said, her voice low and urgent. "The Order believes there's a mole within the Ministry. We need to have a mole of our own in the Death Eater’s circles if we can hope to sniff it out.”
Y/N's heart skipped a beat. This can only mean one thing. Hermione and the Order are desperate if they envision her as the double agent they wish to use. Given her Slytherin background and pureblood status, she is likely to be the only person that can actually pull a mission like this off.
She hoped her poker face remained intact as she replied, “At least give me the courtesy of being completely straight up with me when you want me to risk my life for the Order. So you want me to infiltrate the Death Eater’s inner circle, am I right? Do I even get a choice?”
Hermione took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. “You’re the most skilled and trustworthy witch we have. Plus your background... And yes, it's a risk, but it's crucial for the Order. We need to know what Voldemort and his followers are planning before it’s too late."
Y/N nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll do it," she said firmly, her resolve setting in. "But I need to be prepared. What’s the cover story?"
Hermione handed her a sealed envelope. "You're to attend a high society event tonight at Malfoy Manor. Mingle, act natural. You will know most of the people there through your family. Once they relax and start drinking,use the invisibility cloak to observe and gather intel. If you can get close to anyone with information, all the better."
Y/N felt the weight of the mission press down on her as she took the envelope. She had been to the manor before, under less dangerous circumstances, while her family still feigned cordial relations with the Malfoys. Call it pureblood fake decency. The thought of facing the Malfoy family and their little circle of criminals on her own was a truly unpleasant one. At least her connections and upbringing will ensure that she doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb at the gala.
Back at her flat, she carefully picked out an elegant gown that shimmered with subtle enchantments to make her appear even more alluring than usual. The fabric felt cool against her skin as she slipped it on, the silky material accentuating her curves. She studied herself in the mirror, ensuring not a single hair was out of place. Tonight, she would need all her wits about her, and all the charm she could muster.