Ever since Harry and Ron stopped coming to the hunting lodge, it was always just Draco and Hermione making the return trip after visiting the little one.
Whether it was luck or not, no wizard had yet noticed that these two—who normally had little interaction—were now spending time together. Surprisingly, there was none of the usual tension you'd expect between students from rival houses.
In fact, they acted so naturally that it felt like they'd long grown used to this...
...
As usual, after coming back from the Forbidden Forest, they picked a time when no other wizards would be around.
Draco and Hermione appeared on the path leading to the hunting lodge.
"We need to deal with this soon. If we keep putting it off, we'll end up getting caught."
"And Norberta needs to learn how to hunt on her own."
Draco didn't think he was spoiling Norberta, but he knew they couldn't delay any longer.
He frowned, calculating the risks in his head.
If Norberta was discovered, not only would Hagrid face serious consequences, but Norberta herself would be sent to the dragon training grounds. They could all be dragged into the mess.
No matter how he looked at it, what Draco was doing now was a thankless task...
Just as they were nearing the castle gates, Draco suddenly felt a tug on his robe.
He turned around. It was Hermione, who hadn't spoken the entire way.
"I gave all the rabbit meat to Norberta."
"Who said I wanted any?"
Hermione shot him a glare. What, did he think she was acting like a spoiled Norberta?
She pressed her lips together.
Then, gathering her courage, Hermione asked something that had been on her mind for a while.
"Um… you still haven't answered my question from last time."
"Last time?"
Hermione's sudden question made Draco stop and glance at her, puzzled.
He really couldn't recall what she was talking about.
"The one I asked in front of the infirmary... after the fight."
Her explanation finally jogged his memory.
If he remembered right, it was about the broom incident. And hadn't he just answered her with a question?
"Does that answer really matter to you?"
"It's nothing, really. I just remembered it. If you don't want to answer, forget it."
Hermione tried to sound casual, but Draco still caught the nervous anticipation in her eyes.
Was this tsundere behavior?
"Let's trade."
"Huh?"
"I said let's trade. I'll answer one of your questions, and you answer one of mine. Deal?"
Hermione stared at Draco, leaning casually against a tree, his face touched by the last light of the setting sun. She blanked out for a second.
She wasn't sure if it was because he looked too good in that moment, or if she was just surprised by the offer.
Still, Hermione hesitated.
She didn't know what he would ask—what if it was something difficult?
"What's wrong, scared?"
"Who's scared! Fine, I agree!"
That fired her up again. It reminded her of what had happened not long ago near the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Watching the little witch clearly anxious yet still trying to act tough, Draco couldn't help but smile slightly...
...
A gentle breeze.
The setting sun.
Not to be outdone, Hermione stepped up to the tree Draco was leaning against, tilting her head to look up at him.
"Are you asking first, or am I?"
"What do you think?"
"What's with that look? You think I'll back out!"
Draco's doubtful expression made Hermione frown in irritation. It also made her a bit wary of whatever question he was planning to ask.
If it wasn't going to be difficult to answer, he wouldn't be doubting whether she'd keep her word.
But...
"Fine, you ask first. Hopefully you're the one who'll actually play by the rules!"
Her tone showed she was clearly annoyed. If it weren't for that question nagging at her, the proud little witch wouldn't be putting up with this. Did he think she was the kind of witch who wouldn't follow through?
Draco shrugged. He had his reasons.
"Alright then. What's going on with Professor Quirrell? Or rather, why are you all so focused on him?"
"…"
That had always been Draco's real reason for following Hermione and the others to the hunting lodge. If it hadn't been for Norberta, he wouldn't have delayed asking this question for so long.
And just like he expected, Hermione didn't answer right away.
Of course, if she blurted out an answer without thinking, she wouldn't be Hermione...
"…"
"…"
Watching Hermione struggle with her words, Draco studied her conflicted expression with amusement.
Just as he'd guessed—there was definitely something up with Quirrell.
Not giving her time to collect her thoughts, Draco pressed on.
"The Philosopher's Stone? Or is it the three-headed dog? Or... Professor Snape?"
The rapid-fire questions left Hermione stunned, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. It was as if she couldn't figure out how he knew so much.
"You already know all of it…"
Frustrated, Hermione ran her hands through her hair—completely unladylike, which only made Draco chuckle.
"I just pieced it together. On the day Norberta hatched."
"That day... So you really heard everything? Then, what do you think?"
"What do I think?"
"The Philosopher's Stone! If someone steals it, something terrible could happen! If you help us, then maybe—"
Seeing Hermione suddenly light up, her eyes practically trying to recruit him into the cause, Draco found himself momentarily speechless.
He finally understood why this little witch had been sorted into Gryffindor. That restless sense of justice and her impulsive nature left him at a loss.
Where did she get that kind of confidence? As if anyone could just steal something right under the nose of the most powerful wizard of all?
Unless the Dark Lord had returned...
Draco shook his head, then slowly walked over to her—and with a swift motion, brought his hand down in a chop.
"Calm down. You still haven't answered my question."
Thunk!
"Ow..."
Draco did it out of habit, and by the time he realized the witch in front of him wasn't Pansy, his hand had already landed.
Hermione immediately covered her head with both hands and glared at him with teary, indignant eyes—though her gaze seemed a little dazed.
She knew she should be angry, but for some reason... her heart was beating a little faster...