Pansy's discovery pulled Draco out of his thoughts. Only then did he notice that the Potions classroom was completely empty—clearly, he'd lost track of time during his distraction.
Strangely, Goyle and Crabbe, who were usually glued to Draco's side, were nowhere to be found.
"Hm? Where are Goyle and the others?"
"I didn't notice. They probably left earlier."
Draco turned to ask Pansy, who was following behind him, his face puzzled. But her guilty expression made him suspect that she'd driven them out herself.
That suspicion didn't last long. Just as Draco reached the door of the classroom, he heard their voices...
...
If Goyle and Crabbe had originally been hostile toward Ron Weasley because of their elders' influence, then now it was pure spite. They looked for any excuse to pick a fight with him.
Aside from the values instilled by their families and upbringing, the main reason was Ron's constant mention of the word "Death Eater."
Much of Draco's bad reputation could be traced back to Ron's loose tongue. After all, with the Dark Lord's fearsome reputation, being called a "Death Eater" was hardly a compliment.
So as self-proclaimed followers of Draco, Goyle and Crabbe could hardly tolerate Ron's behavior.
That's why—even though they'd had little previous interaction—they seemed to enjoy going out of their way to provoke Ron and his friends. To Draco, though, it was all just childish nonsense.
Right now, with Draco elsewhere, Goyle and Crabbe were standing in front of Harry and the others...
"I really feel bad for people like that. Having to stay at Hogwarts over Christmas because their family doesn't want them."
"Yeah, who could be that pathetic?"
Although it sounded like casual conversation, they didn't name anyone specifically.
But their gazes were blatantly fixed on Harry Potter, leaving no doubt who they meant.
Even an idiot could tell they were targeting Harry.
Naturally, Ron and Hermione glared at them in outrage.
Hermione, in particular, looked both angry and conflicted—but also relieved. Clearly, she didn't see a certain someone around...
"Is it them?"
Draco, still just inside the classroom, paused. It wasn't hesitation about stepping out—it was because Pansy had grabbed the hem of his robe, seemingly trying to keep him hidden a bit longer.
"Wait. Let's see what's going on first."
"....."
Draco gave Pansy's head a light smack in irritation at her mischievous streak.
Still, he went along with her.
However...
"It's about time I put a leash on them."
Draco had never intended to meddle in Goyle and Crabbe's antics. But this kind of pointless, petty exchange made him think maybe it was time they got a lesson.
In Draco's eyes, actions always spoke louder than words...
Out of nowhere, Goyle and Crabbe—still laughing at Harry—suddenly felt a chilling sense of hostility wash over them, making them shudder.
The look of startled confusion on their faces made Pansy burst into laughter and collapse into Draco's arms. It seemed the little princess truly enjoyed watching these two apes get what they deserved...
...
Ron and Hermione had both heard about Harry's rough home life, so they looked at him with concern, worried those comments might have upset him.
"Harry, are you okay? Don't listen to what they said."
"I'm fine. Honestly, I'd love nothing more than to stay at Hogwarts."
Harry shrugged, showing none of the anger they'd expected.
Though it sounded like he was just trying to reassure them, he was speaking from the heart.
In fact, when Professor McGonagall had been taking down the names of students staying for the holidays the day before, Harry had signed up with genuine enthusiasm. He was so visibly excited that Professor McGonagall, understanding the situation, actually gave him a rare warm smile.
Ron and Hermione, however, were both heading home for Christmas...
Once they were sure Harry wasn't bothered, the three of them chose to avoid any unnecessary drama. They walked right past Goyle and Crabbe without giving them a second glance.
Ron, though, looked ready to charge like a bull seeing red. If Harry hadn't held him back, he might've gone straight for them.
Goyle and Crabbe, sensing something was off, didn't try to stop them.
"So you'll be the only one staying at school."
"I was actually going to invite you to our place… Wait, is that Hagrid?"
Just ahead in the corridor, a large fir tree was completely blocking the path. From the size of the feet sticking out underneath and the loud, familiar grunting, it was obvious who was behind it.
Hagrid was hauling the massive tree himself...
"That's the Christmas tree, right?"
"Hagrid, need a hand?"
"No, I've got it. Thanks, Harry."
They hadn't exchanged more than a few words when footsteps echoed behind them.
"Could you move? You're blocking the way."
"Trying to make a few coins off this, Weasley? I bet you're hoping to guard the hunting grounds after graduation. Compared to your old dump, Hagrid's hut must look like a palace!"
The deep voices belonged to Crabbe and Goyle. Behind them stood Draco and Pansy, who had shown up at some point.
Crabbe and Goyle were playing their villain roles to the hilt, their mockery almost Snape-like in delivery.
The whole scene made Draco glance sideways at Pansy, who clearly looked like she was enjoying the show.
"What's with that rude look?"
"Ahem, don't tell me you're the one who taught them those lines?"
"....."
Pansy's face darkened with irritation at the accusation.
What was that supposed to mean?
Sure, maybe she had a bit of a temper around Draco, and yes, she could be a little spoiled sometimes—but to be misunderstood like this still annoyed her.
Fuming, she stomped hard on Draco's foot, then twisted her little foot on it just for good measure.
Hermione, standing nearby, took in every bit of their little exchange...
...
[Upto 50 chapters ahead for now]
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