Ch: 31-36
Chapter 31: The Simple Chase of Two Lackeys
It was truly a triple win.
Draco not only gained some luck value but also blocked Pansy's subsequent pestering, ensuring she wouldn't bother him again before school started.
At the same time, he used Pansy as a shield, letting other girls from Pure-blood families see his "closeness" with her, thereby reducing unnecessary approaches.
Although not all pure-blood girls were like Pansy, solely focused on family interests and power, such purely motivated individuals were exceedingly rare within pure-blood circles. Having fewer troubles was always best... Time flew by, and a day had passed since that Bubble Bean competition.
The afternoon sun was pleasant, and a gentle breeze wafted through the courtyard, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance.
Draco was sitting on a bench in the courtyard when he saw Goyle and Vincent running over hurriedly, their faces full of excitement and anticipation, shouting from afar, "Boss! Boss!"
The two stopped in front of Draco, panting heavily. Goyle spoke first, "Boss, we've bought all the equipment for school—wands, textbooks, school uniforms—nothing's missing. Now we can study charms with you and be ready for your orders anytime, right?"
Vincent quickly nodded, adding with a hint of complaint, "Yeah, boss! That Pansy insisted on having that Bubble Bean competition a few days ago, forcing us to practice the Engorgement Charm at home for days. We had no time to come find you; it was so stifling!"
Goyle immediately followed with a nod, looking indignant, "Exactly! That Engorgement Charm is ridiculously hard! We practiced for days and still couldn't get it. And then we made fools of ourselves in the competition. So embarrassing!"
Putting down the book in his hand, Draco looked at the two with disdain. "You practiced for days, yet still made a complete mess of the competition. You couldn't even properly enlarge a Bubble Bean. What exactly were you practicing? You've practically shamed me, your boss!"
Hearing this, Goyle immediately hung his head in shame. "Boss, we're sorry! We really tried our best! The Engorgement Charm looks simple, but controlling the magic is too difficult. No matter how much we practiced, we couldn't get the hang of it. The bean pod would either stay completely still or just explode. There was nothing we could do..."
Draco raised an eyebrow, a bit puzzled. "If you couldn't learn it, why did you insist on participating in the competition? Knowing you'd make fools of yourselves, you still went to humiliate yourselves?"
Vincent wore a pained expression and sighed helplessly. "Boss, we had no choice! My parents said if we didn't participate in this competition and show support for the Parkinson family, they'd only let me eat one bowl of rice a day from now on. I'd starve to death!"
Upon hearing this, Draco was rather taken aback. He turned to look at Goyle, his eyes questioning.
Goyle immediately nodded, his face also sporting a pitiful look. "My parents were similar. They said it was socializing between families and we had to go. If we dared not go, they'd punish us with confinement and not let me play with magic toys. It was so harsh!"
Seeing their pitiful expressions, Draco couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. "Alright, alright. Consider yourselves unlucky, forced by your families to make fools of yourselves. But since you practiced for so long and still didn't understand, shouldn't you hurry back and practice more? Come find me only when you've mastered the Engorgement Charm!"
Goyle panicked upon hearing this and quickly waved his hands. "No, boss! You know our brains; we're just not cut out for learning charms. Even if we practice for another ten or fifteen days, we probably still won't get it. Please don't make things difficult for us!"
Looking at his flustered face, Draco found it amusing. "Well, you're quite self-aware, knowing your brains aren't up to the task."
Goyle scratched his head and leaned forward with a sycophantic grin. "That's exactly why we came to you for help, boss! You're so amazing, you must have some tricks. Just give us a few pointers, and we're sure we can learn!"
Draco rolled his eyes helplessly and spread his hands. "I don't know it either! I've never practiced the Engorgement Charm before. I have no idea about any tricks."
Vincent immediately wore an expression of disbelief. "Boss, stop pretending! Even Pansy managed to learn it, so you definitely know it. You're just deliberately hiding it and not teaching us!"
Looking at his confident expression, Draco felt rather helpless. "If you put this much thought into studying charms, you wouldn't be unable to learn even the Engorgement Charm. Using your mind to speculate about me instead is putting the cart before the horse!"
Scratching his head, Vincent said with a pained look, "Boss, I want to! But when it comes to charms, my IQ just plummets. I can't figure it out, really!"
Looking at their pleading faces and thinking about the upcoming school year at Hogwarts...
They were his followers, after all. He couldn't just watch them remain this clumsy and embarrassing forever.
"Fine, fine. Consider yourselves lucky. Listen up, I'll only say this once. If you don't remember, don't blame me!"
Goyle and Vincent's eyes immediately lit up.
Both leaned in close to Draco, their faces full of concentration, ears pricked up. "Boss, we're listening! We won't miss a single word!"
Seeing their serious demeanor, Draco stopped wasting words. He cleared his throat and began explaining his understanding of the Engorgement Charm in detail:
"The key to the Engorgement Charm is stability in magical output. The incantation 'En-gor-gi-o' must be pronounced clearly and steadily. Each syllable must be enunciated precisely, not slurred. When casting, keep your wrist firm, no shaking. The magic must flow out like water, steady and even. No sudden surges or drops, or the bean pod will either do nothing or just explode."
Draco meticulously explained the casting techniques and key points. The two listened intently, nodding along.
[System Notification: Added original content, luck value increased by 20!]
Hearing the system prompt, Draco immediately perked up. He hadn't expected this to work.
After the explanation, Goyle immediately said excitedly, "Boss, I understand the theory... but I'm still afraid I won't be able to control it in practice!"
Draco glared at him. "If you're weak, practice more! Now that you know the key points, go back and practice properly! Only come find me when you've mastered enlarging a Bubble Bean without messing up! If you don't, don't bother following me around anymore!"
Since there was luck value to be gained, Draco naturally became stricter.
Goyle's face fell again, and he was about to plead more when Vincent nudged him.
Vincent then said to Draco with a determined look, "Boss, we understand! We'll go practice right now. We definitely won't disappoint you!"
With that, the two left, clearly eager to practice the Engorgement Charm.
Watching their retreating figures, Draco sighed and picked up his book again.
Days passed in a flash, and about a week went by.
One afternoon, Goyle and Vincent ran over to Draco again, their faces beaming with pride and excitement.
"Boss! Boss! We did it! We finally mastered the Engorgement Charm!"
Looking at their triumphant expressions, Draco raised an eyebrow, a bit skeptical. "Really? Show me."
The two immediately took out a Bubble Bean pod and, with serious expressions, began casting the charm.
With a clear "En-gor-gi-o," the bean pod visibly swelled, growing to a perfect, plump size without any mishap.
Seeing this, Draco nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. Looks like you two did put in some real effort."
Goyle puffed out his chest. "Of course! We practiced day and night, following your instructions. It was tough, but we did it!"
Vincent chimed in, "Yeah, boss! Now we can help you with all sorts of things. Just give the order!"
Draco looked at their eager faces and thought for a moment. "Alright, since you've mastered the Engorgement Charm, your next task is to learn the Reparo Charm!"
"Huh?!" Goyle and Vincent exclaimed in unison, their faces a picture of shock.
They looked at each other, then back at Draco, wearing identical expressions of distress, scratching their heads and looking utterly lost.
"Boss, isn't the Reparo Charm way harder than the Engorgement Charm? It took us so long just to learn the Engorgement Charm. The Reparo Charm must be even more difficult. Can we really learn it?"
Seeing their troubled faces, Draco couldn't help but smile and start his persuasive pitch:
"Think about it. The Reparo Charm is much more practical than the Engorgement Charm. If you learn it, whether your textbook gets damaged or your wand has a minor issue, you can fix it yourself. How convenient!"
"Besides, if you manage to learn the Reparo Charm, your parents will definitely be even happier. By then, forget about five bowls of rice or doubled pocket money. Even ten bowls of rice or the latest magictoys probably wouldn't be a problem!"
Hearing this, their eyes instantly grew brighter. The distress on their faces gradually faded, replaced by full-blown excitement and anticipation.
After exchanging another look, both spoke with firm determination. "Boss, we'll learn it! No matter how hard, we'll master the Reparo Charm and get more rewards!"
Seeing them successfully motivated, Draco smiled contentedly. "Good! That's the spirit! That's what my followers should be like! Don't worry, I'll teach you the tricks for the Reparo Charm. As long as you study seriously and practice well, you'll definitely learn it. Once you've mastered it, you'll bring me more face when we go out, and no one will look down on you again!"
With that, Draco began explaining the incantation, casting techniques, and key points for the Reparo Charm in great detail, covering everything from guiding the magic and wrist control to the rhythm of the words.
Once he finished, Draco shooed them away to practice.
Watching them leave, Draco thought to himself that these two, though a bit slow, were at least obedient.
But the Reparo Charm was far more complex than the Engorgement Charm, requiring much finer magical control. Learning it wouldn't be easy. They probably had a long, tough road of practice ahead...
Chapter 32: Packing Up and Getting Ready to Depart
Since the day he had taught the trick of the Reparo Charm to Goyle and Vincent, the two had seemingly vanished, not seeking Draco out again until the start of the school term drew near.
One didn't even need to think to know that these two fellows were definitely at home painstakingly studying the Reparo Charm.
They were likely motivated by their previous success with the Engorgement Charm, single-mindedly wanting to learn a new spell to gain more rewards from their families and to show off in front of Draco.
Because of this, a hint of emotion stirred in Draco's heart, which also reminded him of how teaching them charms could earn him luck value.
Thinking this way, a thought actually began to form in his mind.
If he could take on a few more obedient and earnest followers like them, wouldn't he be able to earn luck value steadily every day?
He even envisioned a future possibility: if he could become a Charms Professor, spreading his knowledge and taking on many disciples.
By then, he would surely earn luck value in heaps, never having to worry about a lack of luck valueagain.
However, such thoughts were ultimately just for the distant future.
Setting aside the fact that becoming a Charms Professor required sufficiently deep magical foundations and seniority.
Just looking at the current situation, the shadow of Lord Voldemort had not yet fully dissipated, and the wizarding world was destined to be restless; whether he could even reach that stage safely was unknown.
Furthermore, if Lord Voldemort were successfully finished off in the future and the wizarding world returned to peace, luck value might not be of much use by then.
But for now, the shortage of luck value was a very real and pressing matter.
After previously exchanging for basic spells and Apparition, his luck value was nearly exhausted; although he later earned 20 points by participating in the Fanged Geranium competition, it was still a drop in the bucket.
His current luck value points couldn't even reach the threshold for high-level spells; it was truly a case of 'the parched dying of thirst while the flooded drown.'
He could only hope to trigger more original plots in the future, or teach his followers a few more spells to accumulate points slowly.
September 1st, Hogwarts start of term.
In a bedroom of Malfoy Manor, the air was quiet to the point of stagnation, save for the dancing flames within the fireplace.
The fireplace occasionally emitted a few soft crackles, breaking the silence, as the warm yellow firelight reflected in the room, casting a soft glow over the exquisite and luxurious furnishings.
On the expensive carpet in the center of the room stood a medium-sized trunk, which was particularly eye-catching.
This was a magical travel trunk specifically prepared for Draco by his parents, its body made of a certain dark, shiny dragon hide, delicate to the touch yet tough in texture.
The trunk gleamed with a deep luster under the firelight, its corners adorned with brass buckles as bright as mirrors, and the clasps were branded with the complex and exquisite "M" crest—the very symbol of the House of Malfoy.
The interior had long since been enchanted with the Undetectable Extension Charm and the Feather-Light Charm; what looked like a compact trunk could actually hold a massive amount of items and was effortless to carry.
Dobby the House-elf was not present.
Matters of "decency" and "privacy" concerning the young master of the House of Malfoy's pre-departure preparations were things the Malfoy couple never allowed servants to interfere with.
Narcissa stood before the trunk, her figure slender, a light-colored robe making her temperament appear even more gentle and elegant.
The tip of the wand in her hand flickered with a steady, soft silver light; she wasn't haphazardly stuffing items in, but was performing a final "review" and "fine-tuning" of the trunk's contents.
With an imperceptible flick of Narcissa's wrist, the clothes inside, which were already folded as neatly as if cut by a knife, automatically adjusted their slightest wrinkles, becoming even more flat and smooth.
Several leather-bound advanced Potion notes with exquisite covers slowly slid into a dedicated pocket on the side of the trunk, settling firmly in place.
A crystal-clear case containing several types of emergency Potions was silently locked into an inner compartment of the trunk.
Under Narcissa's gentle and precise movements, every detail was handled just right.
Draco stood to the side wearing brand-new travel robes, not needing to worry about a thing, only needing to quietly watch his mother manage everything.
This feeling of being meticulously cared for without having to lift a finger was likely the most reassuring warmth most children could feel when leaving home for school for the first time.
Even if this warmth was wrapped within the decency and rules of the House of Malfoy, it still felt comforting.
"When you arrive at Hogwarts, remember to seek out Severus," Lucius's deep and resonant voice came from the window.
"He will give you a more precise list, telling you which... extracurricular reading is worth keeping on your nightstand; it will be of no small help for your future standing at the school."
Lucius did not participate in the packing, merely leaning lazily against the window frame carved with intricate snake patterns, his silver snake-headed walking stick resting lightly by his side, like a stern overseer.
Hearing this, Draco nodded slightly and responded respectfully, "I understand, Father. Once at school, I will contact Professor Snape promptly and will not fail your arrangements."
In his heart, he thought it would be good enough if Snape even bothered to pay him any attention.
At this point, Narcissa's final "review" was complete.
She slowly stepped back half a pace, her gaze carefully scanning the entire trunk to confirm all items were properly placed without any omissions, before nodding in satisfaction.
She then turned to Lucius and gave a slight nod, indicating everything was ready.
Only then did Lucius slowly move.
He left the window, his steps light and noiseless, walking to the center of the room like a phantom to stand beside the trunk.
He didn't even draw the wand from his waist, merely waving the silver snake-headed walking stick in his hand casually toward the dragon hide trunk.
The movement was understated and casual, as if merely brushing a speck of dust from his sleeve.
Yet with this seemingly casual wave, the power of the spell instantly filled the entire room.
The air vibrated slightly, emitting a low, pleasant hum that sounded like precision metal clicking together, clearly audible.
The dragon hide trunk, which was originally of considerable size, began to shrink slowly under the effect of the spell.
It didn't twist or deform, nor did it collapse or compress; instead, it shrunk uniformly, steadily, and rapidly like the most precise mechanical model.
The texture of the dragon hide remained clearly visible during the shrinking process without any damage, and the luster of the brass buckles remained bright, perfectly preserving its original appearance.
In just a second, the trunk that had stood firmly in the center of the carpet had shrunk into a miniature model that could easily be placed in the palm of one's hand.
Draco stepped forward and gently picked up his miniature dragon hide trunk; it still had a somewhat heavy feel in his hand, but most of the weight had been cleverly constrained within the tiny volume by magic, so it wouldn't feel like a burden to carry.
Carefully placing it into a pocket specifically sewn for it inside his new robes, Draco could feel the slight downward pull on the pocket.
"Once you reach the Hogwarts dormitory, simply recite the 'Engorgement Charm' to restore the trunk to its original size; the items inside will not be damaged in any way," Narcissa instructed gently beside Draco.
"Remember, keep your magic steady and your movements precise when using the spell; do not make any mistakes."
They clearly took for granted that Draco had already learned the basic Engorgement Charm.
After all, as the heir to the House of Malfoy, mastering such basic and practical magic was a matter of course and required no further words.
They just didn't know that Draco hadn't specifically studied the Engorgement Charm before.
Fortunately, with the system's help, the Engorgement Charm wasn't some rare high-level magic, and the luck value required for exchange wasn't much.
So Draco immediately used luck value to exchange for this spell, instantly mastering it to the point where using it was no difficulty at all.
"Remember, Draco," Lucius's voice broke the silence of the room again; he raised a hand to adjust his already flawless cuff, waiting for Draco to look over.
He said: "Convenience should never come at the cost of composure. While a House-elf can pack all your luggage for you to save you trouble, a true Wizard knows how to use magic to make massive luggage disappear elegantly before their eyes, keeping everything under their own control. This is the poise and capability a Malfoy should have."
Saying this, Lucius glanced out the window; the sun in the sky had already risen higher, its golden light spilling into the room through the carved windows.
The silver snake-headed walking stick in his hand tapped lightly on the floor, producing a crisp sound that broke the final silence.
"Now," Lucius spoke, his words devoid of any parting reluctance or warmth, containing only a detached announcement of the next agenda.
"Let us go to King's Cross Station. There are some... old acquaintances not seen for a long time who should be met."
With that, he turned first and walked toward the door, the hem of his black robes tracing an elegant and sharp arc with his movement.
Narcissa gently rested her hand on Draco's shoulder, her palm conveying a warm touch with a brief squeeze, as if passing on a final bit of encouragement and concern, before slowly withdrawing her hand and quickly following her husband's footsteps.
Draco composed himself, suppressing his anticipation and slight nervousness for Hogwarts, and stepped forward to follow closely behind his parents, heading out of the manor.
The sunlight spilled behind them, stretching the shadows of the three of them very long.
Chapter 33: Arrived Early, Hermione Hasn't Come Yet
Morning light was faint, pale gold rays piercing the clouds and falling upon the courtyard of Malfoy Manor, yet not yet fully dispelling the mist lingering at the edge of the grounds.
The mist was light as gauze, swirling between the neatly trimmed shrubs and towering ancient trees, coating this solemn manor in a layer of hazy mystery.
The air was filled with the morning chill and the fragrance of greenery, quiet and solemn.
Before the porch of the main manor gate, which was entwined with black iron roses, a black carriage had long been waiting quietly.
The carriage was entirely pitch-black, without a single stray color; the cabin was crafted from solid, heavy ebony, its wood grain fine and deep, shimmering with a warm yet cold luster under the faint light.
The windows were tightly closed, obscuring the view inside the cabin; the curtains were made of heavy dark green velvet, with exquisite patterns embroidered on the edges, echoing the representative colors of the House of Malfoy.
The creatures pulling the carriage were hidden in the shadows in front of the cabin; Draco looked as hard as he could, but still couldn't see what they looked like.
He could only vaguely sense an invisible tension, carrying a hint of a sinister aura, lingering around the carriage, making one afraid to approach easily.
He already knew in his heart that those pulling the carriage must be Thestrals.
Those magical creatures that only those who have seen death with their own eyes can see.
Books described them as being entirely black with bat-like wings; though they looked eerie, they were extremely loyal and reliable mounts.
But only a pure-blood family with a deep heritage like the House of Malfoy could use them as a carriage for travel, highlighting a distinctive status.
"Remember, Draco," Lucius's voice sounded beside Draco.
At this time, the carriage door slowly opened with a dull thud, and Lucius took the lead in stepping into the cabin,
"A member of the House of Malfoy never deigns to mingle with the mediocre masses; no matter when or where, you must maintain a unique composure and detachment. This is pride engraved in our bones, and a principle you must uphold."
Draco followed behind him into the cabin, nodding helplessly.
His parents were always like this, teaching him at every moment how to maintain the decency of the Malfoy family and how to display a superior status.
Even a simple trip contained many rules and principles that needed to be strictly followed.
Draco entered the carriage.
The interior space of the carriage was extremely spacious, decorated luxuriously and elegantly, with soft and comfortable dark leather seats.
Narcissa then boarded the carriage, and the door slowly closed behind her, isolating all sounds from the outside world.
Without the slightest bump, the carriage slid smoothly into the air, as if traveling on invisible tracks, silent and noiseless.
Draco looked out through the window; the scenery outside had already blurred into patches of grey-green, receding rapidly, making it difficult to distinguish specific objects.
This carriage traveled within an exclusive magical passage, completely isolated from the mediocre world outside, distancing the Malfoy family far from those commoners.
The atmosphere inside the cabin was somewhat quiet; Lucius rested with his eyes closed, his expression indifferent, the silver snake-headed walking stick resting lightly on his knees.
Narcissa sat to the side, her gentle gaze falling on Draco, as she began to instruct him on things to note after arriving at Hogwarts.
"When you get to school, your words and deeds must always remain elegant and appropriate; do not lose the decency of the Malfoy family." Her tone was calm, but her eyes were extremely serious,
"Regarding the House, Slytherin is your only choice; that is the destination for Pure-blood wizards and the place of glory passed down through generations of the House of Malfoy."
"In school, stay away from those unsuitable people—Mudbloods, half-blood wizards, and those stupid Gryffindors. They will only drag you down and affect your future. Do not get too entangled with them, lest you invite trouble."
Lucius also opened his eyes at the right time and added: "In Slytherin, you must know how to build useful connections; the children of those Pure-blood families are the ones who will help you establish yourself in the magical world in the future."
"Learn to control the situation and establish your authority, letting everyone understand that you are the heir to the House of Malfoy and by no means an ordinary person. If you encounter trouble you cannot solve, contact Severus; he will help you handle it in secret, no need for any concerns."
Draco listened quietly to their instructions, but most of it went in one ear and out the other, only needing to nod occasionally to pretend.
The carriage traveled smoothly for about an hour when it suddenly jolted slightly, its speed gradually slowing down before finally coming to a steady stop.
The carriage door slowly opened, and a stream of slightly damp air rushed in, mixed with the fragrance of the courtyard's greenery.
Draco got out of the carriage and looked around, only to see the carriage parked in a seemingly abandoned manor courtyard.
The courtyard was overgrown with weeds, the house was dilapidated, and the walls were mottled; it looked as if no one had lived there for a long time.
This was a "transfer point" set up by the House of Malfoy near London, specifically for connecting magical travel, absolutely private and safe, ensuring the family's movements would not be exposed.
In a corner of the courtyard, the House-elf Dobby was already waiting there humbly.
Seeing the three of them, he immediately bowed his head respectfully and said with extreme humility: "Master, Mistress, Little Master, Dobby has been waiting here for a long time, ready to follow your orders at any time."
Lucius did not pay any attention to Dobby, only giving it a faint glance before walking straight towards the center of the courtyard.
Narcissa followed beside him; Draco nodded to Dobby and then closely followed his parents.
As they walked, Lucius stopped, turned around, and reached out, firmly grasping Narcissa's upper arm and Draco's shoulder.
Draco knew he was about to use Apparition.
It was the same as usual; Draco felt the surrounding space suddenly begin to squeeze, his chest feeling slightly tight, and then it was instantly released. The squeezing sensation vanished without a trace, replaced by a slight dizziness that was fleeting.
The next moment, the three were already standing in a corner of an abandoned luggage storage area at King's Cross Station.
Some old suitcases were stacked around, covered in dust and appearing extremely desolate, completely out of place with the hustle and bustle of the station hall.
The entire process of appearing was extremely smooth and natural, without any sense of awkwardness, as if they had been standing there all along and had never left.
Narcissa immediately took a step forward, her long, fair fingers lightly brushing over Draco's shoulder, even though it was spotless.
She carefully straightened Draco's robes, her movements gentle, her eyes full of meticulous concern.
Lucius stood to the side, raising his hand to adjust his already flawless cuffs.
After everything was in order, Lucius took the lead, walking toward the station hall, with Draco and his mother following closely behind.
The family of three walked with a deliberately slowed yet highly noticeable pace, slowly crossing the noisy station hall.
The surrounding Muggle crowds were bustling, the voices clamorous, filled with various noisy sounds.
Yet as Draco and the others approached, people seemed to hit an invisible wall, subconsciously stopping their steps and looking at them one after another.
Then, they instinctively parted to create a wide path for the three, with no one daring to approach easily.
The silver snake-headed walking stick in Lucius's hand tapped the ground rhythmically, making a crisp "clack-clack" sound, as if beating a silent tempo.
The sound was exceptionally clear in the noisy hall, quietly announcing the arrival of the three.
Draco walked beside him, his gaze subconsciously searching through the crowd, a faint hint of expectation in his heart, hoping to see that familiar figure in this sea of Muggles.
However, Draco, searching carefully as he walked, still couldn't find her figure in the crowd after a long time. A sense of disappointment inevitably arose in his heart; perhaps it was still early, and she hadn't arrived at the station yet.
Soon, the three crossed the noisy Muggle hall and arrived at the entrance to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
This was located next to the barrier between Platform Nine and Platform Ten; it seemed ordinary, but it was an important passage leading to the magical world.
Lucius took the lead, gracefully passing through the barrier without any hindrance; Narcissa followed closely, and Draco also hurried to keep up.
The moment he passed through the barrier, a familiar magical aura rushed toward him, completely different from the clamor of the Muggle world.
Stepping onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, the scene before him instantly became lively.
The platform was filled with thick steam, white mist swirling in the air, blurring the vision and carrying a hint of damp warmth.
In the distance, the deep red carriages of the hogwarts express loomed in the mist, the body of the train gleaming with a vintage texture, like a sleeping dragon, quietly waiting to carry the dreams of young Wizards to Hogwarts Castle.
The air was filled with various sounds: the crisp cries of Owls, the excited laughter of children, the earnest instructions of parents, and the sound of suitcase wheels rolling, all intertwined.
However, amidst this slightly chaotic warmth, one corner of the platform naturally maintained a cold order, completely out of place with the surrounding noise and bustle.
Chapter 34: Boarding the Hogwarts Express
In the cool, orderly area of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, the Parkinson family, like a set of exquisitely carved and perfectly positioned white jade sculptures, had already occupied the "prominent" position near the arch pillar early on.
From here, one could clearly see the platform entrance, facilitating the timely welcome of the Malfoy family, while also having a full view of the surrounding crowds.
Mr. Parkinson stood tall and straight as a pine tree in his tailored dark robes, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze periodically sweeping toward the platform entrance.
Mrs. Parkinson held her chin slightly elevated, her neck slender and elegant, her face wearing its customary expression of refined pride.
Her eyes, like precise inspection lenses, slowly scanned the passing crowds. When her gaze fell upon those from non-Pure-blood families or Wizards dressed plainly, it inevitably carried a hint of concealed contempt.
Pansy was dressed with exceptional care today. A new dark green cloak wrapped around her slender figure, its edges embroidered with delicate silver threads that shimmered faintly in the swirling steam, clearly chosen to subtly echo the Malfoy family colors.
Her hair was combed impeccably, tied into a small bun secured with a silver hairpin, revealing a smooth forehead that made her delicate face appear even more refined.
However, at this moment, her lively little eyes were like searchlights, anxiously sweeping through the crowd, her line of sight also tightly locked on the direction of the platform entrance.
"They're here." Just as Pansy was growing unbearably anxious, Mr. Parkinson suddenly uttered in a low voice.
As soon as the words fell, the crowd at the platform entrance seemed to be cleaved by an invisible force, automatically parting to both sides, creating a wide, unobstructed path.
Lucius Malfoy wore a long robe with a jet-black velvet collar. The fabric was luxurious and heavy, and as he walked, the hem of his robe swayed lightly, exuding an intimidating aura.
He led the way, his silver snake-headed walking stick gently tapping the ground. His face still held its usual, slightly weary and indifferent expression, as if the surrounding commotion had nothing to do with him.
Narcissa followed closely, walking beside Lucius.
Draco followed half a step behind his parents. As his eyes swept over the deep red hogwarts expresstrain in the center of the platform and the excited young Wizards around it, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation in his heart.
Upon seeing the Malfoy family's arrival, the Parkinsons immediately stepped forward with brisk yet dignified strides, hurried yet orderly.
"Lucius, Narcissa." Mr. Parkinson was the first to extend his hand, his tone perfectly measured, carrying both the familiarity of old friends and a reverence for the Malfoy family.
"Avery." Lucius gave a slight nod, extending his hand for a brief handshake, fingers touching for only a moment before swiftly withdrawing. "It seems neither of us is late. A rare moment of synchronicity."
"Naturally. Today is an important day for the children as they head to Hogwarts, concerning their future. We dare not be negligent." Mrs. Parkinson immediately took over the conversation.
Her face wore a polished smile, and when her gaze fell upon Draco, she praised, "Draco looks exceptionally spirited today. The tailoring of this robe is impeccable, fully showcasing the Malfoy family's style. Clearly, it was meticulously custom-made."
Narcissa returned an equally polished and appropriate smile, perfectly measured: "Pansy is also radiant. This dark green cloak complements her complexion beautifully, elegant and refined. Mrs. Parkinsontruly knows how to raise a child, bringing up Pansy to be so poised and proper."
The adults stood to the side, engaged in this cold and precise small talk.
At that moment, Pansy, like a nimble fledgling, took advantage of the adults' conversation and quickly slipped to Draco's side.
"Draco!" Pansy's voice was slightly shriller than usual, carrying an unrestrained excitement and intimacy, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.
"Where's your trunk? I don't see it. Oh, I know! You must have used a Shrinking Charm, right? Malfoy family magic is so convenient, much easier than my clumsy suitcase!"
As she spoke, she subconsciously shook her own suitcase, then seemed to remember something, leaning close to Draco, lowering her voice to share the "intelligence" she had just observed: "I saw that bunch of red-headed Weasleys over there on the platform just now. The whole family was noisy and chaotic. The Weasley boy was hugging a shabby, oversized trunk, covered in dust—it looked so cheap! And their ugly Owl, with its messy feathers, looked like it had just escaped a disaster! Not a shred of dignity befitting a wizarding family!"
She spoke with righteous indignation, her eyes filled with disdain. As she spoke, she kept a close watch on Draco's face, trying to find agreement and approval in his expression.
Draco merely grunted in response, his mind elsewhere, his eyes still searching through the crowd.
He was still looking for Hermione's figure. Perhaps she really hadn't arrived yet, or perhaps she was lost in the noisy crowd.
Pansy quickly sensed Draco's distraction. Seeing him unsettled and not focused on her, a flicker of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
But she knew well that today was a special occasion, an important gathering for Pure-blood families, and she must not act recklessly.
Pansy could only forcibly suppress the emotions in her heart, obediently stand beside Draco, and say no more, only occasionally stealing glances at him from the corner of her eye.
Just then, the commotion on the platform grew slightly louder, accompanied by a rather clumsy sound of footsteps.
Amidst a slight stir in the crowd, Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle led their sons, somewhat awkwardly pushing through the throng, walking towards Lucius and the others.
Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle were both burly and broad-shouldered, with ruddy faces showing a touch of simple ruggedness. Their every move exuded a sense of brute force.
They seemed more adept at solving problems with fists than navigating social niceties, forming a stark contrast to the elegant and refined pure-blood aristocrats around them.
Behind them, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle moved like two small mountains, solid and heavy, wearing slightly oversized robes.
Each followed behind their father.
Their arrival instantly lowered the surrounding "tone," adding a touch of the mundane to the previously cool and elegant atmosphere.
Mr. Crabbe cleared his throat, his voice rough and loud, breaking the earlier tranquility: "Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy."
As he spoke, he gave a slight bow, a gesture not entirely standard but sufficiently respectful.
Mr. Goyle appeared somewhat flustered, merely nodding vigorously towards Lucius and Narcissa, his lips moving but no words coming out.
Lucius's gaze slowly turned towards them, like a supreme monarch glancing at frontier generals coming to report, his eyes flat and devoid of any extra emotion.
He gave an extremely slight nod, acknowledging their greeting.
The two hulking boys immediately straightened up, bowing their heads respectfully, not daring to meet Lucius's gaze.
Lucius swept his eyes over the two youths and commanded, "Once at Hogwarts, take good care of Draco. Follow his orders in all matters. Don't cause trouble, and don't let him suffer the slightest grievance."
Vincent and Gregory immediately mumbled an acknowledgment and then automatically took up positions slightly behind and to the side of Draco and Pansy.
At this moment, Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson, with perfect understanding, took a subtle half-step back, maintaining a step's distance from the Crabbe and Goyle families. This small action clearly marked the closeness or distance between the families.
The Parkinsons were equal allies to the Malfoys, while the Crabbes and Goyles were vassals attached to the Malfoy family.
Narcissa slowly walked up to Draco and straightened his collar, which actually didn't need straightening at all. She let her hand linger on his shoulder for a moment—that brief touch held all her concern and expectations.
She leaned in slightly, her lips close to Draco's ear, whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear: "At school, remember to write home regularly. If anything happens, contact Severus promptly. Don't be stubborn."
After speaking, Narcissa slowly straightened up, returning to Lucius's side, her face once again taking on that aloof and noble expression.
Lucius's gaze slowly swept over the nascent "Slytherin squad" forming around Draco.
Pansy stood gracefully by his side, her eyes filled with affection and dependence; Crabbe and Goyleflanked them, burly and loyal, each standing in the most appropriate position.
The corner of his mouth seemed to curve into an almost imperceptible arc, a glint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
Good. Everything was under his control. Every step was steady and appropriate. This was the kind of layout the Malfoy family should have. This was the kind of presence his meticulously groomed heir should command.
"Go on." Lucius withdrew his gaze and looked at Draco.
Draco took a deep breath, then bowed slightly to his parents, a gesture both respectful and independent.
Then, under the watchful eyes of the adults, he turned and walked towards the deep red hogwarts express.
Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle naturally followed behind him, forming a small but distinct group.
The four children, led by Draco, walked towards the train, their figures gradually blending into the bustling platform.
Behind them, the adults stood silently, their gazes following the children until they disappeared into the crowd.
Lucius watched Draco's retreating figure, his eyes deep and unfathomable.
He knew that from today on, Draco would truly step onto the stage of the wizarding world and begin his journey.
He also believed that with the support of the Parkinsons, Crabbes, and Goyles, Draco would be able to navigate Hogwarts smoothly and establish his own influence.
This was the first step in his plan, and it was proceeding perfectly.
Lucius's lips curled into a faint, cold smile, then he turned to Mr. Parkinson and said, "Let's go."
The two men walked side by side, their steps unhurried, leaving the platform behind them.
Chapter 35: Persuading Pansy
Stepping onto the hogwarts express, the warm yellow light from inside the carriage spilled through the windows, mingling with the swirling steam outside, creating a hazy, comforting warmth.
Since Draco and the others had arrived early, most compartments on the train were still empty. There was no need to fight for a seat or engage in unnecessary small talk.
Draco led Pansy, Vincent, and Goyle, casually choosing a window-side compartment and pushing the door open.
Sitting opposite were Vincent and Goyle. Their massive frames occupied most of the seats, leaving them barely enough room.
Pansy and Draco sat elegantly on the other side.
After gently smoothing the wrinkles on her robes, Pansy curiously examined the compartment's furnishings, her eyes holding a hint of excitement for the unknown journey.
Draco had just taken his seat in the middle when Goyle leaned over, asking earnestly, 'Boss, do you know that Engorgement Charm? The one that makes shrunken trunks expand back to normal size? Crabbe and I have been practicing for ages but just can't get it. We always feel like our magical control is off...'
His question had barely landed when a short, sharp, almost bird-like snort of laughter echoed in the compartment.
The sound clearly erupted from Pansy Parkinson's nostrils, shattering the brief tranquility of the carriage.
Pansy, who had been lazily reclining on the velvet seat, instantly straightened her body, leaning slightly forward.
Her small yet bright eyes were now filled with unbelievable mockery, as if she had heard the most ridiculous thing in the world.
'Vincent,' she deliberately drawled, her voice shrill, each syllable like a silver needle dipped in venom, stabbing with every word, 'are you stupid? Use that—too cramped for even a Troll to fit—dull brain of yours and think properly!'
Pansy emphasized the word 'Troll,' pausing briefly to ensure this insulting nickname would hit Goyle's face like a heavy stone.
It was a nickname known to everyone in their circle, exclusively for Goyle and Vincent, mocking their simple minds and brawny physiques.
'Otherwise?' Pansy raised an eyebrow, her tone growing more caustic, the mockery in her eyes almost overflowing, 'did you think the Malfoy heir's dragonhide trunk would just 'pop' open by itself, like a startled pixie?'
'Such a basic spell is mere child's play for Draco. How dare you ask such a foolish question? It's utterly embarrassing!'
Goyle's face flushed crimson like cooked liver under her sharp-tongued ridicule. He opened his mouth, trying to retort, but couldn't utter any meaningful sounds, forced to lower his head in awkward humiliation.
Beside him, Vincent just looked blankly from Goyle to the aggressive Pansy, completely confused.
After mocking Goyle, Pansy immediately shifted her target, quickly turning to Draco. The scorn and derision on her face vanished as if by magic.
Replacing it was a cloying expression, a mix of boundless adoration and an intimate 'you-know-I-know' understanding. She looked at him with sparkling eyes, as if Draco were the sole deity in her heart.
'Of course Draco knows it!' Pansy's voice instantly dropped an octave, becoming soft and melodious, 'A basic charm like this is as natural and effortless for him as breathing. Right, Draco?'
Pansy did not wait for Draco's answer, because in her view, this question needed no confirmation.
It was only natural that the Malfoy heir should master all basic spells.
'This is the most basic Transfiguration charm. As children of Pure-blood families, we should have mastered it long ago. Unlike these two...' She said, casting a disdainful glance at the embarrassed Vincent and Goyle beside her, her contempt completely unconcealed.
Watching her change expressions like flipping a page, Draco had already thoroughly understood her personality.
Pansy had always been fiercely competitive and argumentative. If he agreed with her now, she would become even more smug and intensify her bullying of Crabbe and Goyle in the future.
But if he held the opposite view and contradicted Pansy, she would immediately switch to debate mode, endlessly arguing with him until she won, making the situation even more awkward and disruptive.
Having thought it through, Draco slowly spoke, 'Pansy, we don't need to stay confined to this small compartment, just with the two of them.'
Draco's gaze swept over the confused Vincent and Goyle beside him.
Then his gaze turned to Pansy, 'We are about to enter Hogwarts, step through the doors of Slytherin, and face the entire cohort of first-years in the future, even the entire social landscape of the wizarding world.'
'We need to understand the situation of others in advance, especially those from... Pure-blood familieswith room for choice.'
'Their stances, their families' leanings, all concern our future status and influence, and cannot be neglected in the slightest.'
After finishing, Draco looked steadily at Pansy, his gaze carrying an air of scrutiny and assessment, 'You can go to the next compartment now and sit with Daphne Greengrass or Millicent for a while, chat with them, and gather more information.'
'I need to know what the trends are among this year's first-years outside our small circle, how the relationships between those families are, if there are any allies worth befriending, or rivals to be wary of.'
'For this task, your insight is sharp enough, and your manner is sufficiently proper. You are more suitable than any of us. I am very confident in entrusting this to you.'
As his words fell, Pansy's eyebrows first raised slightly, a flicker of clear surprise flashing in her eyes.
She obviously hadn't expected Draco to be contemplating such profound and strategically significant matters at this moment.
This exceeded her expectations for Draco's current state.
But this surprise was fleeting. A moment later, a knowing, slightly smug smile slowly appeared at the corner of Pansy's mouth.
Her entire demeanor became more confident and spirited.
The phrase 'your insight and manner are most suitable' made Pansy feel her own value and gave her the sense that she was a recognized, indispensable partner to Draco, not merely a follower.
Pansy's eyes instantly brightened, sparkling with a shrewd gleam, clearly having fully grasped Draco's intention and understood the significant importance behind this task.
'Oh~ I understand.' Pansy deliberately drew out her tone, 'Indeed, we cannot just sit here confined. We need to understand the situation in advance to take the initiative. That's the Malfoy way.'
Saying this, she gracefully rose from her seat, gently smoothing her dark green robes with a light touch, as if performing a delicate act.
Watching her, Draco added, 'Correct. Our vision cannot be limited to this small compartment, nor to our small circle.'
Draco's words again exceeded Pansy's expectations, and a clear look of astonishment flashed in her eyes.
Pansy had originally thought she was the sole chosen executor, the key piece in Draco's plan.
She hadn't expected Draco himself to have the same, even more proactive mindset, rather than just sitting there waiting for others to approach.
This completely shattered Pansy's preconceived notion of 'Young Master Malfoy' at this moment, making her both surprised and excited.
But this astonishment lasted only a moment.
Soon, a broader, more genuine smile, tinged with the thrill of finding a worthy opponent, replaced the previous forced air of superiority.
'Ha!' Pansy let out a short laugh, her eyes shining as she looked at Draco with admiration, 'I knew it! A Malfoy never sits idle. They always take the initiative and control the situation, no matter when or where. That's the true Malfoy style!'
'Daphne Greengrass is a good choice,' Pansy said seriously after praising Draco.
'The Greengrass family has been very active in pure-blood circles lately, mingling with many families. She must know a lot of inside information. We can get something from her. As for Millicent...'
She let out a light, disdainful snort here, clearly holding Millicent's simple-mindedness in contempt.
But upon second thought, Millicent's family might have some influence, and perhaps she could extract some useful information from her. So, she accepted the task anyway.
'For the sake of the bigger picture, I know what to ask. I'll get some information from her too. I won't let you down.'
At this moment, Pansy resembled a noble lady entrusted with a secret mission. Her gaze, tinged with a sense of superiority, swept over the still clueless Vincent and Goyle beside her.
Then, Pansy reached for the compartment door handle, about to leave, but suddenly paused, slowly turning back to Draco.
After giving him a reassuring look, she finally pushed open the door and stepped out, leaving the compartment.
Once Pansy was gone, the door closed, shutting out the outside noise and temporarily barring her aggressive aura outside.
Draco looked at the closed door, feeling both amused and exasperated, secretly relieved.
He had finally managed to get rid of this troublesome person. If they had stayed in the same compartment for the whole journey, there would have been endless pestering and questioning, making it impossible to have any peace.
By sending Pansy off to gather information, he gave her something to do, satisfying her competitiveness, while also freeing himself up to move around.
Moreover, this would allow Draco to leave the compartment and search for Hermione elsewhere on the train.
Even if Pansy returned after gathering information and found him missing, he could simply explain that he was also out scouting the other first-years, making it a perfectly reasonable excuse.
Chapter 36: Being a Boss Is Really Hard!
"Boss, are you leaving this carriage too?"
Goyle had managed to understand a single sentence of the conversation between Draco and Pansy just now.
Hearing this, Vincent also hurried over. "Yeah, Boss, where are you going? Aren't we coming with you? If anyone dares to cause you trouble, we can help you beat them up!"
"You don't need to follow me. Just stay here and guard this compartment. No running around," Dracosaid.
Seeing the puzzled looks on their faces, Draco continued, "In the future at Hogwarts, there will be many occasions where I'll need you to represent me and... deal with certain people."
"For now, you need to learn how to hold a position on your own. More importantly, you must learn to project our presence in the right way, rather than just solving problems with your fists."
He thought these words would convey some deep meaning, but Goyle just tilted his head, furrowed his brows, and pondered seriously for a long time.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Boss, I get it! Is it like, when we're snatching someone's snacks, we should say 'thank you' first to seem polite?"
Vincent also nodded in agreement and added, "And also! If someone dares to talk back to us, when we're hitting them, should we say,'Sorry, did that hurt?' That way we teach them a lesson without getting scolded by the teachers?"
Listening to their "divine interpretation," a few drops of cold sweat instantly slid down Draco's forehead.
He grumbled inwardly: These two are born to be villains!
There's nothing in their heads except snatching snacks and hitting people. They've practically got the word "bully" etched into their bones.
It seems turning them into strategic henchmen is going to take a lot of work.
Draco massaged his forehead helplessly. Suppressing his internal complaints, he corrected them as calmly as possible, "You're overthinking it. That's not what I meant."
The two looked over.
Draco said, "If anyone comes to sit in this compartment later, you are not allowed to bully them. You must treat them kindly, understood? No snatching things, and definitely no hitting people at the drop of a hat. You must follow the rules and show some manners."
"But... Boss, if we don't bully them or act tough, how will they know to be afraid? How will they listen to us?" Goyle immediately frowned, his voice filled with genuine confusion.
In his worldview, only fists and intimidation could make others submit and establish one's authority.
Vincent also said hesitantly, "Then... if someone from the Weasley family comes, or those other blind fools, do we... do we have to be 'friendly' to them too?"
Seeing their matter-of-fact expressions, Draco really couldn't hold it together anymore.
No wonder these two were called "Troll-brains" in their circles. Their thinking was simplistic to the extreme; they only saw "to hit" or "not to hit," with no concept of strategy or long-term planning.
If they continued acting the way they used to, they would eventually cause major trouble at Hogwarts.
"Our old way of hitting people and causing trouble everywhere is a bit outdated. It's not clever at all," Draco explained patiently.
"It's like a Blast-Ended Skrewt in the wizarding world. It makes a lot of noise, has a terrible temper, and wants to attack everyone it sees. And the result? Everyone avoids a Blast-Ended Skrewt the moment they see it, or even attacks it first. In the end, it just makes people hate it and ends up in a pathetic state. The losses outweigh the gains."
He paused to observe their reactions. Although they still looked a bit lost, they had started to listen seriously.
Draco continued, "So, we need to change our strategy. Upgrade from a 'Blast-Ended Skrewt' to a 'Boggart.' That's the truly clever way, and the path we'll take from now on."
"Blast-Ended Skrewt... Boggart?" Goyle frowned, repeating the two names with a look of pure bewilderment.
Clearly, he didn't understand what connection between these two creatures was worth learning from.
Vincent also tried hard to furrow his brows, attempting to grasp Draco's meaning. After pondering for a while, he spoke up uncertainly, "A Boggart... I know that. It's that shape-shifting monster that turns into whatever a person fears most. It catches people off guard."
Seeing that they had finally grasped a key point, Draco followed up on his words, "Exactly. Vincent is right. The Boggart's greatest strength is its ability to change. It transforms into the form its target fears most, making its true shape and tactics impossible to guess."
"It never starts baring its claws and teeth right away like a Blast-Ended Skrewt. Instead, it hides itself and delivers a fatal blow when least expected, creating the ultimate fear. That is the most powerful form of intimidation."
Saying this, Draco's sharp gaze swept over the two of them as he emphasized solemnly, "So the new rule from now on is: most of the time, we must appear 'normal,' even 'harmless.' Just like any other student. Don't go looking for trouble, don't be deliberately flashy, and hide your edge."
"That way, when we actually need to do something or teach some blind fool a lesson, no one will suspect us first."
After he finished speaking, a long silence fell over the compartment. Both Goyle and Vincent were frowning, looking deep in thought.
After a good while, both of their eyes lit up almost simultaneously, a very faint light of realization flashing across their faces.
Goyle quickly lowered his voice, speaking cautiously with a mix of excitement and tension at having discovered a secret. "Oh... Boss, I get it! You mean we should pretend to be very kind while secretly observing them, and then when we find an opening, we suddenly strike and catch them off guard, right?"
Vincent followed with a heavy nod, a look of "so that's it" on his face. "Yes, yes, yes! It's like wearing an invisibility cloak! Others won't see our bad intentions, so we can sneak up on them and hit them when they're not looking. That way, the teachers won't catch us. That's so brilliant!"
Seeing their excited faces, Draco rolled his eyes helplessly and could only nod in resignation.
Although their understanding was still a bit off, with the focus still on "hitting people," they had at least grasped the core of "disguise." It was progress, of a sort.
He could only guide them slowly for now and train them further later on.
Clearing his throat, Draco became serious again and held up three fingers. "Remember, these next three ironclad rules are not to be broken at any time. If you do, you'll face the consequences. Do you hear me?"
Goyle and Vincent immediately straightened up, nodding solemnly. "We hear you, Boss! We'll remember them well and never break them!"
"First rule: No striking first."
"Fists are our last resort. They are weapons for protecting ourselves and teaching enemies a lesson, not a way to say hello or show off."
"You can only fight back if someone else provokes or bullies us first."
The two immediately nodded solemnly. "Understood, Boss!" they said earnestly.
"Second rule: Do not actively look for trouble with anyone unless I explicitly order it."
Draco continued:
"Whether it's someone from the Weasley family or another House, as long as they don't provoke us or interfere with our business, you are not to pick on them. No deliberate provocations, and definitely no bullying them for no reason. You must listen to my commands and follow my arrangements in everything."
"Third rule: In public places like corridors, the Great Hall, or classrooms, relax your faces."
Draco looked at their habitually tense faces and couldn't help but instruct them,
"You don't have to force a smile or pretend to be kind. Just don't go around glaring or scowling like you're about to eat someone, scaring people who don't matter."
"Save your energy for where it counts—like practicing magic or striking back at enemies at the right moment. Don't waste it on unnecessary things."
As he finished, Goyle and Vincent subconsciously raised their hands, using their rough palms to gently rub their habitually tight jaw muscles, trying to relax their faces.
The way they were pondering so hard was both comical and ridiculous.
They occasionally glanced at each other, their eyes full of doubt, trying to determine from the other's face what a "relaxed" expression was supposed to look like.
Seeing them like this, Draco could no longer hold back. The corners of his mouth quirked up in a helpless, slightly amused expression.
"Alright, no need to be so tense. Just practice slowly."
"If you can follow those three rules, next, I want you to start practicing two things. They're very simple; as long as you put your heart into it, you'll do fine."
The two immediately stopped and looked at Draco earnestly. "Tell us, Boss! We'll definitely practice hard!"
"First: when you're walking in the corridors and want people to make way, don't shove or scare them with glares. Either just say 'move,' not too loudly but firm and steady."
"Or just walk straight through. Most people will move out of the way on their own just by looking at you. You don't need to lift a finger."
Draco instructed them patiently, terrified they would misunderstand and go back to shoving people.
"Second: if a teacher or prefect comes to question you, no matter what they ask, answer concisely. Say 'yes,' 'no,' or 'I don't know.' Don't talk too much, and definitely don't talk back to them. The more you say, the more likely you are to make a mistake or reveal our thoughts."
"This is our'standard mode' for now. Just do it naturally, like walking or eating. Over time, it will become a habit."
Goyle nodded vigorously. "Understood, Boss! From now on, when walking, it's 'move,' and when teachers ask questions, it's 'yes,' 'no,' or 'I don't know.' I guarantee no mistakes!"
Vincent, however, frowned with a bit of a troubled look. "But Boss, using our brains for all this and following so many rules is really tiring. It's more exhausting than practicing Spells. Can't it be a bit simpler?"
Draco immediately glared at him and said sternly, "What? Are you going to listen to your boss or not? If you can't even handle these small things, how are you going to help me later?"
Seeing this, the two immediately straightened their backs in fear and shook their heads in unison. "We'll listen! Of course we'll listen to the Boss! No matter how tiring, we'll do it. We won't let you down!"
Seeing their sincere attitude, Draco stopped pressuring them. "As for 'helping others,' that might be even harder for you to understand. But it's fine; just think of it like picking up a Galleon dropped on the ground. It's something beneficial and advantageous for us, not just simple kindness."
"Picking up a Galleon on the ground?" Goyle and Vincent exchanged looks, their faces completely blank.
"For example, if someone trips in the corridor later and their books scatter everywhere, you don't need to laugh at them like before. But you also don't need to dive in and help them pick up books like a House-elf; that would look lowly."
"You have two choices. First, just ignore it. Act like you didn't see anything and walk straight past. Don't waste our time."
"Second, if there are many people watching—especially students from other Houses, or teachers and prefects—stop, give your wand a little flick to levitate the books into a pile, and then walk away without saying a word. Don't linger, and don't wait for thanks."
Listening to Draco, their faces were twisting into expressions as confused as Muggles.
Their eyes were full of confusion; clearly, they still couldn't understand why they should go out of their way to help random people pick up books.
Seeing their confusion, Draco could only explain further, "Do you know why we'd choose the second option? Because doing that makes everyone think we are unpredictable."
"And 'unpredictability' is a powerful force in itself. It makes others feel awe and fear toward us, making them afraid to provoke us easily."
"So that's it! Boss, you're so right!" Goyle's eyes lit up immediately as a look of realization dawned on his face.
"That way, others won't be able to guess what we're thinking and won't dare mess with us. That's so smart!"
Vincent also nodded, saying with admiration, "The Boss's ideas are the best. You think so far ahead. We could never think of these things. From now on, we'll just learn from you. We'll do whatever you tell us!"
Nodding with satisfaction, Draco continued, "Exactly. Remember, every 'help' we give isn't out of random kindness; it's a small investment or a bit of intelligence gathering."
"When you're helping someone pick up books, you can listen to the chatter around you. Hear why that person was unlucky enough to fall. Maybe you'll learn some useful intel or find out someone's background from their words. This will be a huge help for us to establish ourselves at Hogwarts."
"This isn't just helping; it's strategic reconnaissance and image management. It's so we can better control the situation later on."
Goyle and Vincent both nodded heavily and said in unison, "We get it, Boss! From now on, we'll remember that helping people is an investment and intel gathering, never kindness. We'll practice hard and won't let you down!"
He had finally managed to brainwash these two lackeys. It was truly harder than dealing with Pansy.
Being a boss is so hard!
"Good. Since you understand, stay here in this compartment and guard our position. Follow the rules I gave you. If anyone comes, respond with the'standard mode' we discussed. No mistakes."
"I'm going out now to get some experience, scout out the other new students, and familiarize myself with the train's environment to prepare for our layout at Hogwarts."
The two immediately said in sync, "Don't worry, Boss! We'll guard the compartment well and strictly follow your rules. We won't look for trouble, and we won't let anyone bully us!"
Nodding with satisfaction, Draco said no more. He turned, pulled open the compartment door, and slowly walked out.
Just as he stepped into the corridor, he heard the two of them whispering in the compartment behind him.
"Is... is the Boss going out to be a 'Boggart' too? Pretending to be harmless to scout for info... that must be way harder than guarding a compartment," Vincent said.
"Definitely! That's a much tougher mission. Only someone as amazing as the Boss could do it."
Hearing their "divine summary," Draco stumbled, nearly tripping in the corridor.
He grumbled inwardly: Who the hell is going to be a Boggart!
Chapter 36: A Chance Encounter and Hermione's Inner Journey
After bidding farewell to Vincent and Goyle, Draco pushed open the compartment door and stepped into the corridor of the hogwarts express.
From time to time, the laughter of young Wizards intertwined, creating a scene of bustle and vitality.
Walking slowly along the corridor, Draco's gaze swept across the doors and windows of each compartment, taking in the figures inside.
Reaching one carriage, he caught sight of Pansy talking to Daphne Greengrass.
Catching sight of Draco out of the corner of her eye, Pansy immediately stopped talking, her sparkling eyes looking straight over.
It was too late to avoid her, so Draco simply stopped and gave her a slight nod, with a touch of well-measured approval.
Seeing this, the corners of Pansy's mouth immediately curled into a smug arc, and she tilted her chin slightly, accepting Draco's gesture with an utterly arrogant posture.
Draco didn't linger, hearing her continue the discussion with Daphne behind him.
He walked all the way to the end of the train, checking all the first-year compartments, but Hermione Granger was nowhere to be seen.
Draco frowned slightly, thinking to himself: Could she be late today?
Or perhaps, being new to the magical world, she couldn't even find the entrance to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?
Thinking of this, Draco no longer hesitated and turned to walk off the train.
On the platform, Draco wove through the crowd, his gaze scanning every corner, but there was still no sign of Hermione.
It seemed she really hadn't arrived.
With a thought, Draco turned toward the platform exit, deciding to try his luck over at the Mugglestation.
Crossing that invisible boundary, the noisy voices suddenly changed their character.
There was no soft clicking of wands or hooting of Owls; instead, there was the chatter of Muggles, the rolling of suitcases, and the clear tone of station announcements over the speakers.
As soon as he stepped out of the passage, Draco looked around, his gaze quickly searching through the surging crowd.
Before long, he spotted three slightly cramped figures in a nearby corner.
It was the The Granger Family.
Hermione stood between her parents, wearing a brand-new set of Wizard Robe that looked somewhat out of place.
She was standing on tiptoe, curiously observing everything around her, her intelligent eyes full of inquiry, yet also carrying a hint of the bewilderment of a newcomer.
Her parents also looked confused, occasionally looking up at the signs and whispering to each other, clearly disoriented by this unfamiliar station.
Draco secretly breathed a sigh of relief; fortunately, he had caught them in time.
With Hermione's intelligence and sharpness, finding Platform Nine and Three-Quarters would only be a matter of time, but if she were truly left to figure it out alone, it would inevitably involve unnecessary trouble.
Steadying himself, Draco straightened his robes and walked toward them with a composed pace, stopping just a few steps away.
"Miss Granger?" Draco called out with a hint of surprise. "What a coincidence to meet again. We saw each other at Mr. Ollivander's wand shop just a few days ago."
The moment the words fell, Hermione's entire body tensed up, like a suddenly alerted small animal.
She didn't even turn around, likely because that voice was all too familiar.
The figure from that day in Ollivander's shop must have been echoing in her mind right now.
Hermione slowly turned sideways and looked at Draco.
Those clear eyes were now like ice-quenched probes, piercing him coldly and directly, with undisguised scrutiny and wariness.
Draco remained where he was, maintaining an impeccable social distance, with a gentle, slightly surprised, and friendly smile on his face.
First, he gave Hermione a slight nod, then his gaze naturally turned to her confused parents. "Sir, Madam, good day. I am Draco, Draco Malfoy. It seems this is your first time seeing Hermione off to Hogwarts?"
As he spoke, Draco gave the Grangers a standard and restrained nod.
"Platform Nine and Three-Quarters is indeed a bit mysterious for new families; it's common to be confused on the first visit."
Hermione's jawline tightened further, her sharp eyes staring fixedly at Draco as if trying to see right through him.
She thought to herself that this was nothing more than a carefully orchestrated performance, a perfect show of 'ancient Pure-blood families upbringing' aimed at her Muggle parents.
Mr. Granger's confusion quickly faded, replaced by obvious gratitude, and in Mrs. Granger's eyes, there appeared that gentle and approving look one has when seeing a 'proper and sensible young man.'
"The entrance is right inside this wall." Draco pointed to a seemingly ordinary brick wall nearby.
"Just walk straight through; don't hesitate. Many new families are just as confused as you are their first time."
After a pause, Draco changed the subject, offering a choice that seemed casual but was actually full of subtle calculation.
"If you'd like, I happen to be heading back to the platform myself and can go ahead to demonstrate for you."
"Or, if Hermione would like to try it herself,"
Draco turned his gaze back to Hermione. "I can also wait here for a moment to ensure you pass through safely."
Cunning.
Hermione's internal judgment.
This fellow had thrown the initiative completely back at them, carefully wrapping it in a cloak of politeness and consideration, leaving her parents to make the decision.
And with a Muggle mindset, they were clearly more inclined toward the safer former option.
Sure enough, Mr. Granger immediately breathed a sigh of relief, a smile of relief appearing on his face as he quickly said, "That would be wonderful! If it's not too much trouble for you to demonstrate... thank you so much!"
After a slight nod, Draco didn't say another polite word.
He turned and walked directly toward the brick wall.
The Grangers followed closely behind Draco with looks of tension and curiosity.
Reaching the wall, Draco didn't pause for a second; his figure slipped easily into the brickwork as if passing through a layer of gauze, vanishing from their sight.
Behind the bricks was the familiar steam and bustle of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Stepping out slowly, Draco turned and stood by the wall, waiting for a moment.
Before long, the brick wall rippled slightly, and Hermione appeared holding her mother's hand, with her father following close behind.
All three looked shocked, their hearts pounding like drums as they passed through that invisible magical veil and stood firmly on the platform.
Stepping forward, Draco said without a hint of seeking credit, "That's it. Hogwarts Express is just ahead; it'll be departing soon."
As he spoke, Draco raised his hand and pointed toward the scarlet train not far away.
"Well then, I won't disturb you further." Draco bowed to the Grangers once more, then turned to Hermione. "Once again, I wish you a pleasant journey. See you at Hogwarts, Miss Granger."
With that, Draco didn't linger, turning to blend into the crowd on the platform, tactfully leaving the family time to say their goodbyes in private.
The noise behind him gradually faded.
Mr. Granger was the first to look away, letting out a long sigh of relief, a warm and comforted smile appearing on his face.
He reached out and patted Hermione's shoulder; the slightly forceful gesture made Hermione, whose body had been tense, tremble slightly.
"Hmm, quite a nice lad, isn't he?"
His tone was full of pure appreciation and the relief of a problem solved. "Very polite, and he explained things clearly. It seems children in the magical world aren't all as odd as the rumors say; they have manners just the same."
Mrs. Granger's gaze lingered for a couple of seconds longer in the direction Draco had disappeared, her eyes holding a more detailed scrutiny than her husband's, along with a touch of maternal softness.
"Yes, he was indeed very proper." She turned to look at Hermione, her tone a bit softer than her husband's, carrying a faint hint of inquiry. "Hermione, dear, is he the boy you met when you were buying your wand at Mr. Ollivander's? I heard you mention him; it seemed you two talked... quite in-depth back then?"
Mrs. Granger had clearly noticed the natural familiarity when Draco mentioned "Ollivander" just now, and she remembered her daughter's discussion about Wand Core after returning home that day.
It was only at the moment her parents spoke that Hermione allowed the suffocating tension in her shoulders to relax, ever so slowly.
But her arms, cradling the wand box, remained stiff and straight, the cold edge of the wooden box pressing against her palm, keeping her from losing her composure in this sudden encounter.
Without looking at her parents, Hermione kept her eyes downcast, fixed on the steam swirling around her feet, as if studying the faint patterns formed by the condensation on the ground.
To her ears, her parents' praise felt like fine needles, lightly pricking her heart, which had been reinforced by Professor McGonagall's warnings.
They only saw the surface of the performance, but she saw Draco's carefully disguised gentleness and upbringing.
They didn't understand the weight of the name 'Malfoy,' nor the stance and prejudice that surname represented.
"We just happened to both be at Mr. Ollivander's." Hermione looked up, meeting her mother's gaze calmly. "We were just discussing some basic principles of Wandlore; it was a purely academic exchange."
After a pause, Hermione added, "His behavior just now was nothing more than the basic etiquette expected toward strangers in a public place."
Mr. Granger failed to notice the deeper meaning in his daughter's words and laughed. "Academic exchange! Listen to that, dear, our daughter hasn't even started school and she's already having 'academic exchanges' with people."
He patted the top of Hermione's head, beaming. "Well, anyway, he did us a big favor. I hope you can make friends like that at Hogwarts—intelligent and polite, how wonderful."
Hermione gave no facial response to her father's words, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
She simply turned her gaze back to the depths of the steam, where the hogwarts express was puffing thick white smoke and letting out a low whistle.
Then she spoke softly, "Friendship needs to be based on a more comprehensive understanding and shared values, Dad. A single instance of help doesn't define a person."
Then Hermione glanced at the train. "It's about time; I should get on board."
Mrs. Granger keenly caught the aloofness in her daughter's tone, as well as a prudence beyond her years.
A flicker of worry crossed her mind, but she didn't press further, merely stepping forward to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind Hermione's ear, pushing the worry back down into her heart.
"You're right, dear." Her voice was soft yet full of strength. "Go on, take good care of yourself. Remember, no matter what happens, Mom and Dad are right behind you. Once you get to school, remember to write to us."
Hermione nodded, saying nothing more.
She turned and walked toward the train, her back straight, carrying a touch of youthful stubbornness and aloofness.