Meanwhile, Claire’s heart thundered inside her chest. She reached over to take the letter from his hand and read it herself. She tried to hide her surprise, but the truth was evident in her eyes. Malfoy had taken the unbreakable vow, and he couldn't break it without losing his magic, but she was frozen as she reread the letter. The words confirmed the pardon, but it also served as a stark reminder of the painful truth of how exactly she had gained the pardon.