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Chapter 50: Using Their Own Methods Against Them
"Malfoy, thank you so much for the juice," Audrey said with a gentle smile as she screwed the cap back on. "I just ate a bit too much at breakfast. It would've been better if you'd brought it earlier."
"O–oh…" Draco looked flustered. "Um… snake-scale fruit is very rare. It's not like the kind in the Muggle world. You will drink it, right?"
"You even know about the snake-scale fruit in the Muggle world?" Audrey said, sounding impressed. "That's amazing."
Draco felt no pride at all—only a tight knot in his chest. He forced a stiff smile.
"Don't worry," Audrey continued calmly. "I won't waste it."
With that, she turned and left.
Draco stood there for a moment, expression complicated—relieved, uneasy, and inexplicably cold.
He rubbed his arms and muttered, "Why is it so freezing…? How does she stand this?"
How does she endure it?
The answer, of course, was money. Audrey's clothes were enchanted luxury items—immune to heat, cold, and most environmental discomfort.
…
The moment Audrey stepped out of the Great Hall, she vanished with a whoosh—reappearing in the kitchen.
"Little Master!"
Audrey patted Momo's head and handed her the bottle of juice.
"Mix this into the milk," she said quietly, "and place it in front of Arjunia Roll."
"Yes, Little Master!"
Momo didn't question right or wrong. Whatever her little master said was correct.
My little master is amazing. Everything she does must be right!
…
…
The morning class was Ancient Runes.
Audrey quickly confirmed her suspicion—Nicolas Flamel was terrifyingly competent.
Although he'd only taught her for a month and a half, her understanding of runic structures already far exceeded that of her peers.
Of course, this also had something to do with her… advantages.
Two souls, after all.
She listened to the lecture with ease.
After class, she immediately approached Professor Bathsheda Babbling.
"Professor," Audrey said earnestly, "I need to complete within one academic year what most students take five years to learn. My time is extremely limited."
"As for runes, I completed my studies with Professor Nicolas Flamel during July and August."
"So," she asked politely, "may I apply for an exemption?"
Professor Babbling—dark circles under sharp eyes, long black hair cascading down her back—studied Audrey carefully.
"Then I'll test you."
She pulled out a thick book. "I'll open to a random page. Translate it."
Audrey shook her head. "That's The Book of Hieroglyphs, authored by Nicolas Flamel. Would you like me to recite it instead?"
Professor Babbling: "..."
…
…
Audrey successfully earned her exemption.
Though delayed, she still made it to lunch.
—I really must eat in the dormitory tonight. Absolutely.
"Audrey, did you hear?" Iserline whispered from several seats away. "Senior Arjunia Roll has gone mad!"
Audrey blinked. "What happened?"
"She's been relentlessly pursuing Mr Filch!"
Iserline looked horrified. "She even skipped Professor Snape's Potions class this morning to harass Filch into becoming her boyfriend—and he agreed!"
"By Salazar!"
"Professor Snape deducted two points from Slytherin. That's how angry he was!"
Audrey gasped theatrically. "Wow! What a fearless warrior of love!"
Iserline froze. "Huh?"
Audrey laughed lightly. "She must've discovered Mr Filch's hidden charm."
She concluded solemnly, "Everyone has their strengths. Once discovered, even stone can become gold. Never underestimate anyone."
Iserline nodded slowly… though something still felt off.
…
At the Slytherin table, Draco deliberately sat at the far edge, avoiding Audrey's gaze.
This makes no sense!
Why did Arjunia end up drinking it herself?
This isn't how magic works!
And hiding didn't help.
After lunch, Audrey cornered him in the broom cupboard.
"Draco Malfoy," she said calmly, "do you know why I brought you here?"
Draco lowered his head, silent.
Audrey sighed and dismissed the Disguise .
"Look carefully."
Draco looked up—and froze.
"H–Hydras?!"
Audrey Astray was his cousin?
Hydras Lestrange?!
His mind completely shut down.
"C–cousin…"
Hydras grabbed his ear sharply.
"Are you an idiot?" she snapped. "As the future heir of the Malfoy family, how can you let yourself be used so easily?"
"Explain. Everything."
Draco confessed without omission.
He still vividly remembered how she'd disciplined him as a child. She absolutely would spank him.
And his father had told him the truth—
The woman in front of him was that man's daughter.
After listening, Hydras asked calmly, "If you'd succeeded, did you consider the consequences?"
Draco hesitated. "…Your reputation?"
Hydras went silent.
Lucius. Do you even know how to raise a child?
"If I'd been caught," she continued coldly, "the school would investigate thoroughly. You broke into Filch's office last night—you weren't unseen."
Draco's face drained of colour. "I was… seen?"
"When that happens, neither of us walks away clean."
"And the real instigator would escape—because you have no proof."
Draco finally understood.
He had cleverness—but no wisdom.
"But now that Arjunia was affected," he blurted out, "won't I be exposed anyway?"
Hydras shook her head. "No. We're going to the Headmaster."
"To—Dumbledore?!"
"All portraits report to him. Nothing stays hidden."
"Better we speak first."
She transformed back into Audrey.
"And keep my identity secret. Fewer than four people in the entire school know who I really am."
"If you ever reveal it—"
Draco shrank like a chastised puppy. "I wouldn't dare, cousin."
"Hmph."
…
…
Snape stormed out of the Headmaster's office, face dark as thunder.
Draco Malfoy—idiot.
Arjunia Roll—trash.
Slytherin had lost one hundred and two points.
Confinement. Severe confinement.
After consideration:
Draco Malfoy—one month.
Arjunia Roll—one full academic year.
As for Audrey Astray?
She was the victim.
Snape paused.
"…Audrey Astray exposed wrongdoing and upheld discipline. Slytherin gains fifty points."
…
…
Draco left the office alone.
Punished. Points lost. Confinement waiting.
But—
Unbelievable.
Audrey Astray was his cousin.
That was far cooler than "My father is Lucius Malfoy."
Unfortunately…
It had to remain secret.
Wearing fine robes in the dark.
What an unbearable waste.
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